Houston, TX vs Waco, TX

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waco is 17.1% cheaper than Houston. With a cost index of 82 vs 96, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waco to Houston should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Houston is $1,313/month compared to $1,098/month in Waco — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waco is more affordable at $199,600 median vs $253,400.

Median household income in Houston is $62,894 compared to $51,468 in Waco (+22.2%). While Houston is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Houston spend roughly 25.1% of their income on rent, less than the 25.6% in Waco.