Amarillo, TX vs Waco, TX

Amarillo, TX and Waco, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3% difference in their overall index. Amarillo scores 79 while Waco scores 82 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month compared to $1,098/month in Waco — a 5% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Amarillo is more affordable at $186,800 median vs $199,600.

Median household income in Amarillo is $62,469 compared to $51,468 in Waco (+21.4%). Amarillo offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Amarillo spend roughly 20.2% of their income on rent, less than the 25.6% in Waco.