Rowlett, TX vs Waco, TX

The cost of living difference between Rowlett, TX and Waco, TX is dramatic. Waco is 51.4% cheaper than Rowlett, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Rowlett has a cost index of 124 while Waco sits at 82, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Rowlett is $1,964/month compared to $1,098/month in Waco — a 79% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waco is more affordable at $199,600 median vs $342,400.

Median household income in Rowlett is $113,600 compared to $51,468 in Waco (+120.7%). While Rowlett is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Rowlett spend roughly 20.7% of their income on rent, less than the 25.6% in Waco.