Laredo, TX vs Waco, TX

Laredo is moderately more affordable than Waco, with a 6.5% lower cost of living index. Laredo scores 76 compared to 82 for Waco, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Waco can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Laredo is $1,001/month compared to $1,098/month in Waco — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Laredo is more affordable at $182,400 median vs $199,600.

Median household income in Laredo is $63,264 compared to $51,468 in Waco (+22.9%). Laredo offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Laredo spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, less than the 25.6% in Waco.