Moving from Columbia to Waco (2026)
Waco has a COL index of 83 vs 88 for Columbia (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$258/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8883
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,250$1,000
per month
State tax
4.7%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,447$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Waco to match your Columbia lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Columbia | Equivalent in Waco |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,727 |
| $50K | $47,159 |
| $60K | $56,591 |
| $75K | $70,739 |
| $80K | $75,455 |
| $100K | $94,318 |
| $120K | $113,182 |
| $150K | $141,477 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Columbia vs Waco
| Expense | Columbia | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $365 | $350 |
| Transport | $45 | $38 |
| Utilities | $158 | $172 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,569 | $3,121 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco cheaper than Columbia?
Yes. Waco has a cost of living index of 83 vs 88 for Columbia (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Columbia to Waco?
On a $75K salary, moving from Columbia to Waco could save roughly $258/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,096/year.
What salary do I need in Waco to match my Columbia lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Columbia, you'd need roughly $70,739/year in Waco. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Waco to ColumbiaColumbia vs Waco — full comparisonColumbia 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