Moving from Santa Rosa to Waco (2026)
Waco has a COL index of 83 vs 140 for Santa Rosa (100 = US average). You'd pay about 41% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$1,278/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
14083
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,200$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 Santa Rosa lifestyle
Based on the 41% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Santa Rosa | Equivalent in Waco |
|---|---|
| $40K | $23,714 |
| $50K | $29,643 |
| $60K | $35,571 |
| $75K | $44,464 |
| $80K | $47,429 |
| $100K | $59,286 |
| $120K | $71,143 |
| $150K | $88,929 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Santa Rosa vs Waco
| Expense | Santa Rosa | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,200 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $410 | $350 |
| Transport | $72 | $38 |
| Utilities | $148 | $172 |
| Internet | $68 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,261 | $3,121 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco cheaper than Santa Rosa?
Yes. Waco has a cost of living index of 83 vs 140 for Santa Rosa (100 = US average). That's about 41% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Santa Rosa to Waco?
On a $75K salary, moving from Santa Rosa to Waco could save roughly $1,278/month on core expenses. That's ~$15,336/year.
What salary do I need in Waco to match my Santa Rosa lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Santa Rosa, you'd need roughly $44,464/year in Waco. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Waco to Santa RosaSanta Rosa vs Waco — full comparisonSanta Rosa 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