Honolulu vs Waco for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Honolulu Hawaii | Waco Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $2,500 | $800Better |
| 2BR rent / month | $4,500 | $1,300Better |
| Median home price | $750K | $210KBetter |
| Median household income | $82KBetter | $48K |
| Est. childcare / month | $2,418 | $1,079Better |
| State income tax | 11% | NoneBetter |
| Sales tax (combined) | 4.7%Better | 8.3% |
| Monthly utilities | $185 | $172Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 120 | 92Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Honolulu or Waco?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Waco scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,300/mo in Waco vs $4,500/mo. Waco is approximately 55% cheaper overall. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Honolulu vs Waco?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $4,500/month in Honolulu and $1,300/month in Waco. Waco is 71% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Honolulu or Waco?
The price-to-income ratio in Honolulu is 9.1× ($750K median home, $82K median income). In Waco it's 4.4× ($210K home, $48K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Waco is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Honolulu vs Waco?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $2,418/month in Honolulu and $1,079/month in Waco, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$16,068/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Honolulu has a 11% state income tax rate vs Waco has no state income tax. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $1,100/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Honolulu has the same purchasing power as $45K in Waco
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026