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

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Richmond

California
161

Waco is 55% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,098/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 73%
$51,468/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 75%
$199,600 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 226%
$1,094/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 84%
141,925
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $797/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $9,564/year.

Median household income is $38,570/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Richmond — common questions

Is Waco or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Richmond?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $797/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Richmond?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $38,570/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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