Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Waco is 28% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,098/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 19%
$51,468/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 24%
$199,600 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 76%
$1,094/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 25%
141,925
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $12,432/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Waco or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Wilmington?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Wilmington?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $12,432/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Waco details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and Wilmington

Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge