Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Waco and Tuscaloosa have a similar cost of living.

$1,098/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 8%
$51,468/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 6%
$199,600 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 19%
$1,094/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 5%
141,925
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $2,932/year higher in Waco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Waco or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $2,932/year higher in Waco.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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