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

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Waco is 77% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,098/mo ↓ 63%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 172%
$51,468/yr ↓ 70%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 237%
$199,600 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 665%
$1,094/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 179%
141,925
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,887/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $22,644/year.

Median household income is $122,202/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Waco or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,887/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $122,202/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and Santa Clara

Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville