Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Orange, CA (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Orange

California
206

Waco is 65% cheaper than Orange.

$1,098/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 105%
$51,468/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 127%
$199,600 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 351%
$1,094/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 119%
141,925
Population
138,723

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,154/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $13,848/year.

Median household income is $65,477/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Orange — common questions

Is Waco or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Orange?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,154/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Orange?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $65,477/year higher in Orange.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and Orange

Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Gainesville Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. West Valley City Orange vs. Visalia