Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Waco is 23% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,098/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 20%
$51,468/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 71%
$199,600 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 44%
$1,094/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 22%
141,925
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $36,299/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Rochester — common questions

Is Waco or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Rochester?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $218/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Rochester?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $36,299/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Minnesota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Rochester details →

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