Waco vs San Antonio for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Your move simulator
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Estimated annual swing
+$1,592/yr
Favoring Waco for this income & household (illustrative).
With an extra $133/mo in Waco, you could max a Roth IRA contribution faster and still grow your savings buffer.
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High-yield savings
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Even $133/mo extra earns meaningfully at 4–5% APY vs near-zero in checking.
Home + auto bundle
New state — compare rates before you sign
Moving to Waco resets your insurance profile. Bundling home + auto often saves 15–25%.
Supplemental health
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Health coverage varies by state. Review Medigap plans available in your new zip before moving.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Waco Texas | San Antonio Texas | Your impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,000Better | $1,100 | $1,200/yr saves in Waco |
| Median home price | $210KBetter | $260K | — |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None | — |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.3%Better | 8.3% | — |
| Monthly utilities | $172Better | $175 | — |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 92Better | 93 | — |
| Est. healthcare / month | $415Better | $435 | $240/yr saves in Waco |
| Walk score (0–100) | 22 / 100 | 36 / 100Better | — |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83Better | 87 | — |
Complete the Picture
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Mortgages
See what you can afford in San Antonio
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Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in San Antonio homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
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Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Waco or San Antonio?
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 $260K in San Antonio. Waco is approximately 5% cheaper overall. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Waco or San Antonio?
Neither Waco nor San Antonio 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 San Antonio?
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 $435 in San Antonio. That's a difference of ~$20/month, or ~$240/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?
San Antonio has a higher walk score (36 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. San Antonio offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Waco has the same purchasing power as $52K/year in San Antonio
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