Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Waco is 45% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,098/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 56%
$51,468/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 92%
$199,600 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 143%
$1,094/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 47%
141,925
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $616/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $7,392/year.

Median household income is $47,218/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Idaho's 5.8% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Meridian — common questions

Is Waco or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Meridian?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $616/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Meridian?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $47,218/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Idaho?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Meridian details →

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