Galveston, TX vs Waco, TX

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waco is 19.9% cheaper than Galveston. With a cost index of 82 vs 98, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waco to Galveston should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Galveston is $1,278/month compared to $1,098/month in Waco — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waco is more affordable at $199,600 median vs $294,300.

Median household income in Galveston is $57,216 compared to $51,468 in Waco (+11.2%). The higher salaries in Galveston partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Galveston spend roughly 26.8% of their income on rent, more than the 25.6% in Waco.