Waco vs Tempe for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Waco Texas | Tempe Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,000Better | $1,600 |
| Median home price | $210KBetter | $430K |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 2.5% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.3%Better | 8.6% |
| Monthly utilities | $172Better | $210 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 92Better | 100 |
| Est. healthcare / month | $415Better | $515 |
| Walk score (0–100) | 22 / 100 | 46 / 100Better |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83Better | 103 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Waco or Tempe?
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 $430K in Tempe. Waco is approximately 19% cheaper overall. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Waco or Tempe?
Texas has no state income tax, meaning Social Security, pension, and retirement account withdrawals are not subject to state tax. Arizona has a 2.5% state income tax rate. For retirees, this difference can save thousands annually.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Waco vs Tempe?
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 $515 in Tempe. That's a difference of ~$100/month, or ~$1,200/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?
Tempe has a higher walk score (46 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. Tempe offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Waco has the same purchasing power as $62K/year in Tempe
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