Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Waco is 21% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,098/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 35%
$51,468/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 31%
$199,600 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 24%
$1,094/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 10%
141,925
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $16,053/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Waco or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $16,053/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and Palm Bay

Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock