Moving from Memphis to Waco (2026)
Waco has a COL index of 83 vs 83 for Memphis (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 0% more for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Waco to match your Memphis lifestyle
Based on the 0% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Memphis | Equivalent in Waco |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,000 |
| $50K | $50,000 |
| $60K | $60,000 |
| $75K | $75,000 |
| $80K | $80,000 |
| $100K | $100,000 |
| $120K | $120,000 |
| $150K | $150,000 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Memphis vs Waco
| Expense | Memphis | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,100 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $357 | $350 |
| Transport | $55 | $38 |
| Utilities | $170 | $172 |
| Internet | $55 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $3,004 | $3,121 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $117 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Memphis — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco cheaper than Memphis?
No. Waco has a cost of living index of 83 vs 83 for Memphis (100 = US average). That's about 0% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Memphis to Waco?
On a $75K salary, moving from Memphis to Waco saves roughly $100/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,200/year.
What salary do I need in Waco to match my Memphis lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Memphis, you'd need roughly $75,000/year in Waco. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only