Arlington, TX vs Waco, TX

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waco is 23.4% cheaper than Arlington. With a cost index of 82 vs 101, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waco to Arlington should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month compared to $1,098/month in Waco — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waco is more affordable at $199,600 median vs $276,400.

Median household income in Arlington is $73,519 compared to $51,468 in Waco (+42.8%). While Arlington is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Arlington spend roughly 22.7% of their income on rent, less than the 25.6% in Waco.