Moving from Rochester to Waco (2026)
Waco has a COL index of 83 vs 94 for Rochester (100 = US average). You'd pay about 12% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$445/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9483
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,400$1,000
per month
State tax
9.9%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,122$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Waco to match your Rochester lifestyle
Based on the 12% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Rochester | Equivalent in Waco |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,319 |
| $50K | $44,149 |
| $60K | $52,979 |
| $75K | $66,223 |
| $80K | $70,638 |
| $100K | $88,298 |
| $120K | $105,957 |
| $150K | $132,447 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Rochester vs Waco
| Expense | Rochester | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $380 | $350 |
| Transport | $55 | $38 |
| Utilities | $168 | $172 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,057 | $3,121 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco cheaper than Rochester?
Yes. Waco has a cost of living index of 83 vs 94 for Rochester (100 = US average). That's about 12% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Rochester to Waco?
On a $75K salary, moving from Rochester to Waco could save roughly $445/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,340/year.
What salary do I need in Waco to match my Rochester lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Rochester, you'd need roughly $66,223/year in Waco. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Waco to RochesterRochester vs Waco — full comparisonRochester 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