Moving from Montgomery to Waco (2026)
Waco has a COL index of 83 vs 81 for Montgomery (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 2% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$49 more/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8183
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,050$1,000
per month
State tax
5%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,428$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Waco to match your Montgomery lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Montgomery | Equivalent in Waco |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,988 |
| $50K | $51,235 |
| $60K | $61,481 |
| $75K | $76,852 |
| $80K | $81,975 |
| $100K | $102,469 |
| $120K | $122,963 |
| $150K | $153,704 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Montgomery vs Waco
| Expense | Montgomery | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,050 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $353 | $350 |
| Transport | $38 | $38 |
| Utilities | $170 | $172 |
| Internet | $58 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,759 | $3,121 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco cheaper than Montgomery?
No. Waco has a cost of living index of 83 vs 81 for Montgomery (100 = US average). That's about 2% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Montgomery to Waco?
On a $75K salary, moving from Montgomery to Waco could save roughly $49/month on core expenses. That's ~$588/year.
What salary do I need in Waco to match my Montgomery lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Montgomery, you'd need roughly $76,852/year in Waco. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Waco to MontgomeryMontgomery vs Waco — full comparisonMontgomery 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