Moving from Tacoma to Waco (2026)
Waco has a COL index of 83 vs 114 for Tacoma (100 = US average). You'd pay about 27% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$950/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
11483
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$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 Tacoma lifestyle
Based on the 27% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tacoma | Equivalent in Waco |
|---|---|
| $40K | $29,123 |
| $50K | $36,404 |
| $60K | $43,684 |
| $75K | $54,605 |
| $80K | $58,246 |
| $100K | $72,807 |
| $120K | $87,368 |
| $150K | $109,211 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tacoma vs Waco
| Expense | Tacoma | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $399 | $350 |
| Transport | $90 | $38 |
| Utilities | $118 | $172 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,171 | $3,121 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco cheaper than Tacoma?
Yes. Waco has a cost of living index of 83 vs 114 for Tacoma (100 = US average). That's about 27% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tacoma to Waco?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tacoma to Waco could save roughly $950/month on core expenses. That's ~$11,400/year.
What salary do I need in Waco to match my Tacoma lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tacoma, you'd need roughly $54,605/year in Waco. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
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