Moving from Cedar Rapids to Waco (2026)
Waco has a COL index of 83 vs 85 for Cedar Rapids (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$92/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8583
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,100$1,000
per month
State tax
5.7%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,384$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Waco to match your Cedar Rapids lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Cedar Rapids | Equivalent in Waco |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,059 |
| $50K | $48,824 |
| $60K | $58,588 |
| $75K | $73,235 |
| $80K | $78,118 |
| $100K | $97,647 |
| $120K | $117,176 |
| $150K | $146,471 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Cedar Rapids vs Waco
| Expense | Cedar Rapids | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,384 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,100 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $357 | $350 |
| Transport | $45 | $38 |
| Utilities | $152 | $172 |
| Internet | $58 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,672 | $3,121 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco cheaper than Cedar Rapids?
Yes. Waco has a cost of living index of 83 vs 85 for Cedar Rapids (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Cedar Rapids to Waco?
On a $75K salary, moving from Cedar Rapids to Waco could save roughly $92/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,104/year.
What salary do I need in Waco to match my Cedar Rapids lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Cedar Rapids, you'd need roughly $73,235/year in Waco. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Waco to Cedar RapidsCedar Rapids vs Waco — full comparisonCedar Rapids cost of livingWaco cost of living
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