Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Waco, TX (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Worcester is 44% more expensive than Waco.

$1,415/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 22%
$67,544/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 24%
$339,500 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 41%
$1,521/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 28%
205,501
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $16,076/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Waco residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Waco — common questions

Is Worcester or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Waco?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Waco?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $16,076/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Waco

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange