Moving from South Bend to Waco (2026)
Waco has a COL index of 83 vs 82 for South Bend (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 1% more for the same lifestyle.
Pay ~$38 more/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8283
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,050$1,000
per month
State tax
3.2%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,541$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Waco to match your South Bend lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in South Bend | Equivalent in Waco |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,488 |
| $50K | $50,610 |
| $60K | $60,732 |
| $75K | $75,915 |
| $80K | $80,976 |
| $100K | $101,220 |
| $120K | $121,463 |
| $150K | $151,829 |
Monthly budget at $75K — South Bend vs Waco
| Expense | South Bend | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,541 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,050 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $353 | $350 |
| Transport | $42 | $38 |
| Utilities | $155 | $172 |
| Internet | $58 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,883 | $3,121 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco cheaper than South Bend?
No. Waco has a cost of living index of 83 vs 82 for South Bend (100 = US average). That's about 1% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from South Bend to Waco?
On a $75K salary, moving from South Bend to Waco could save roughly $38/month on core expenses. That's ~$456/year.
What salary do I need in Waco to match my South Bend lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in South Bend, you'd need roughly $75,915/year in Waco. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Waco to South BendSouth Bend vs Waco — full comparisonSouth Bend 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