Moving from Riverside to Waco (2026)
Waco has a COL index of 83 vs 117 for Riverside (100 = US average). You'd pay about 29% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$813/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
11783
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,000
per month
State tax
9.3%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,159$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Waco to match your Riverside lifestyle
Based on the 29% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Riverside | Equivalent in Waco |
|---|---|
| $40K | $28,376 |
| $50K | $35,470 |
| $60K | $42,564 |
| $75K | $53,205 |
| $80K | $56,752 |
| $100K | $70,940 |
| $120K | $85,128 |
| $150K | $106,410 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Riverside vs Waco
| Expense | Riverside | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $395 | $350 |
| Transport | $72 | $38 |
| Utilities | $148 | $172 |
| Internet | $68 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,726 | $3,121 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco cheaper than Riverside?
Yes. Waco has a cost of living index of 83 vs 117 for Riverside (100 = US average). That's about 29% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Riverside to Waco?
On a $75K salary, moving from Riverside to Waco could save roughly $813/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,756/year.
What salary do I need in Waco to match my Riverside lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Riverside, you'd need roughly $53,205/year in Waco. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Waco to RiversideRiverside vs Waco — full comparisonRiverside 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