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

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Ventura

California
183

Waco is 61% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,098/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 91%
$51,468/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 95%
$199,600 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 290%
$1,094/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 94%
141,925
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,003/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $12,036/year.

Median household income is $48,939/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Ventura — common questions

Is Waco or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Ventura?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $1,003/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Ventura?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $48,939/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

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