Moving from Rapid City to Waco (2026)
Waco has a COL index of 83 vs 88 for Rapid City (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$198/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8883
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200$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 Rapid City lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Rapid City | 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 — Rapid City vs Waco
| Expense | Rapid City | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $365 | $350 |
| Transport | $40 | $38 |
| Utilities | $148 | $172 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,923 | $3,121 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco cheaper than Rapid City?
Yes. Waco has a cost of living index of 83 vs 88 for Rapid City (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Rapid City to Waco?
On a $75K salary, moving from Rapid City to Waco could save roughly $198/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,376/year.
What salary do I need in Waco to match my Rapid City lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Rapid City, 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 Rapid CityRapid City vs Waco — full comparisonRapid City 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