Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Waco, TX (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Washington is 138% more expensive than Waco.

$1,900/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 42%
$106,287/yr ↑ 107%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 52%
$724,600 ↑ 263%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 72%
$2,103/mo ↑ 92%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 48%
672,079
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $802/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $9,624/year.

Median household income is $54,819/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Waco — common questions

Is Washington or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Waco?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $802/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Waco?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $54,819/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Texas?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Washington details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Waco

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