Santa Fe vs Waco for Families (2026)
A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in Santa Fe, NM vs Waco, TX.
- 2BR rent: $1,300/mo in Waco vs $2,050/mo — 37% difference
- More affordable homeownership in Waco: $210K median vs $480K
- Higher median household income in Santa Fe: $58K/yr vs $48K
- Waco has no state income tax — more take-home for family expenses
Family cost comparison
| Metric | Santa Fe New Mexico | Waco Texas |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR rent/month | $2,050 | $1,300Better |
| Median home price | $480K | $210KBetter |
| Median household income | $58KBetter | $48K |
| Est. childcare/month | $1,287 | $1,079Better |
| State income tax | 4.9% | NoneBetter |
| Sales tax (combined) | 7.7%Better | 8.3% |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe vs Waco?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $2,050/month in Santa Fe and $1,300/month in Waco. Waco is 37% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Santa Fe or Waco?
The price-to-income ratio in Santa Fe is 8.3× ($480K home, $58K income) vs 4.4× in Waco. A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable. Waco is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Santa Fe vs Waco?
Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,287/month in Santa Fe and $1,079/month in Waco. These are estimates — actual costs vary by provider and program type.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Santa Fe has a 4.9% state income tax rate vs Waco (Texas) has no state income tax. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, the difference can mean $294+/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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