Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Waco is 48% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,098/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 63%
$51,468/yr ↓ 64%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 175%
$199,600 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 140%
$1,094/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 83%
141,925
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $694/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $8,328/year.

Median household income is $89,885/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Waco or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $694/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $89,885/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and The Woodlands

Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange The Woodlands vs. Lakeland The Woodlands vs. Evansville The Woodlands vs. Clearwater The Woodlands vs. Brandon The Woodlands vs. North Charleston The Woodlands vs. West Jordan