Killeen vs Waco for Families (2026)
A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in Killeen, TX vs Waco, TX.
- 2BR rent: $1,300/mo in Waco vs $1,400/mo — 7% difference
- More affordable homeownership in Waco: $210K median vs $215K
- Higher median household income in Killeen: $50K/yr vs $48K
- Killeen has no state income tax — more take-home for family expenses
Family cost comparison
| Metric | Killeen Texas | Waco Texas |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR rent/month | $1,400 | $1,300Better |
| Median home price | $215K | $210KBetter |
| Median household income | $50KBetter | $48K |
| Est. childcare/month | $1,079Better | $1,079 |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.3%Better | 8.3% |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Killeen or Waco?
Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, Waco scores slightly better for families overall. Waco has lower 2-bedroom rents, Waco is more affordable for homebuyers, though both cities have strong family communities.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Killeen vs Waco?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,400/month in Killeen and $1,300/month in Waco. Waco is 7% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Killeen or Waco?
The price-to-income ratio in Killeen is 4.3× ($215K home, $50K income) vs 4.4× in Waco. A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable. Killeen is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Killeen vs Waco?
Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,079/month in Killeen and $1,079/month in Waco. These are estimates — actual costs vary by provider and program type.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Killeen (Texas) has no state income tax vs Waco (Texas) has no state income tax. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, the difference can mean $0+/month in take-home.
Childcare estimates based on national average scaled by COL index. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026
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