Moving from Carmel to Waco (2026)
Waco has a COL index of 83 vs 98 for Carmel (100 = US average). You'd pay about 15% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$460/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9883
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,450$1,000
per month
State tax
3.2%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,541$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Waco to match your Carmel lifestyle
Based on the 15% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Carmel | Equivalent in Waco |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,878 |
| $50K | $42,347 |
| $60K | $50,816 |
| $75K | $63,520 |
| $80K | $67,755 |
| $100K | $84,694 |
| $120K | $101,633 |
| $150K | $127,041 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Carmel vs Waco
| Expense | Carmel | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,541 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,450 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $376 | $350 |
| Transport | $40 | $38 |
| Utilities | $152 | $172 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,461 | $3,121 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco cheaper than Carmel?
Yes. Waco has a cost of living index of 83 vs 98 for Carmel (100 = US average). That's about 15% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Carmel to Waco?
On a $75K salary, moving from Carmel to Waco could save roughly $460/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,520/year.
What salary do I need in Waco to match my Carmel lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Carmel, you'd need roughly $63,520/year in Waco. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only