Moving from Fort Worth to Waco (2026)
Waco has a COL index of 83 vs 91 for Fort Worth (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$443/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9183
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,400$1,000
per month
State tax
NoneNone
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Waco to match your Fort Worth lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fort Worth | Equivalent in Waco |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,484 |
| $50K | $45,604 |
| $60K | $54,725 |
| $75K | $68,407 |
| $80K | $72,967 |
| $100K | $91,209 |
| $120K | $109,451 |
| $150K | $136,813 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fort Worth vs Waco
| Expense | Fort Worth | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $365 | $350 |
| Transport | $50 | $38 |
| Utilities | $180 | $172 |
| Internet | $68 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,678 | $3,121 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco cheaper than Fort Worth?
Yes. Waco has a cost of living index of 83 vs 91 for Fort Worth (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Fort Worth to Waco?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fort Worth to Waco could save roughly $443/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,316/year.
What salary do I need in Waco to match my Fort Worth lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fort Worth, you'd need roughly $68,407/year in Waco. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Waco to Fort WorthFort Worth vs Waco — full comparisonFort Worth 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