Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Waco is 18% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,098/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 14%
$51,468/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 27%
$199,600 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 22%
$1,094/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 11%
141,925
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $14,069/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Springfield — common questions

Is Waco or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Springfield?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Springfield?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $14,069/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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