Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Tyler, TX (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Waco is 9% cheaper than Tyler.

$1,098/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↑ 9%
$51,468/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↑ 27%
$199,600 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$216,400 ↑ 8%
$1,094/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↑ 7%
141,925
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $14,059/year higher in Tyler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Tyler — common questions

Is Waco or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Tyler?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Tyler?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $14,059/year higher in Tyler.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Tyler details →

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