Waco vs Houston for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Waco Texas | Houston Texas |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,000Better | $1,350 |
| Median home price | $210KBetter | $280K |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.3%Better | 8.3% |
| Monthly utilities | $172Better | $175 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 92Better | 94 |
| Est. healthcare / month | $415Better | $475 |
| Walk score (0–100) | 22 / 100 | 49 / 100Better |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83Better | 95 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Waco or Houston?
Based on home prices, taxes on retirement income, walkability, and overall cost of living, Waco scores better for retirees. Median home prices are $210K in Waco vs $280K in Houston. Waco is approximately 13% cheaper overall. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Waco or Houston?
Neither Waco nor Houston has a state income tax, which is excellent for retirees relying on Social Security, pensions, or 401(k) withdrawals. Your retirement income is only subject to federal taxes.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Waco vs Houston?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $415 in Waco and $475 in Houston. That's a difference of ~$60/month, or ~$720/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Waco on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Waco, rent alone would consume approximately 24% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,000/mo) and healthcare another ~10%. That leaves roughly 66% (~$2,750/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is generally considered manageable.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Houston has a higher walk score (49 vs 22 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Houston offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Waco has the same purchasing power as $57K/year in Houston
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026