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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $125/month moving to Waco, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.5K in Waco, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↓ 1.7%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$125
Savings
Annual Impact
$1.5K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Brownsville, TX

Population:190K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$184K

Waco, TX

Population:145K
Cost Index:
98
(2% below avg)
Median Home:$241K

Brownsville, TX

The Lone Star State

190K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 190K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Waco, TX

The Lone Star State

145K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 145K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Brownsville, TX vs Waco, TX

Other
↓ 13.1%
Brownsville, TX
$1,813
Waco, TX
$1,576
Difference
$237
less
Housing
↓ 8.8%
Brownsville, TX
$2,138
Waco, TX
$1,950
Difference
$188
less
Healthcare
↑ 16.5%
Brownsville, TX
$537
Waco, TX
$626
Difference
$88.46
more
Transportation
↓ 4.8%
Brownsville, TX
$1,337
Waco, TX
$1,273
Difference
$64.31
less
All Utilities
↑ 11.1%
Brownsville, TX
$502
Waco, TX
$557
Difference
$55.55
more
Groceries
↑ 4.5%
Brownsville, TX
$928
Waco, TX
$970
Difference
$41.91
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$812
To$709
↓ $103
1 Bed
From$906
To$834
↓ $72.00
2 Bed
From$1,093
To$1,034
↓ $59.00
3 Bed
From$1,479
To$1,334
↓ $145
Brownsville, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,030/mo

Waco, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,160/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,255
Monthly in Brownsville, TX
$6,952
Monthly in Waco, TX
$303
Difference

Home Values

Brownsville
Waco
$184K
Median Value
$241K
↑ +2.1%
YoY Change
↓ -1.1%
↑ +50.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.7%
$169K - $228K
Price Range
$137K - $296K

Homes in Waco are 31% more expensive than Brownsville

Calculate payment - BrownsvilleCalculate payment - Waco

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
→ $0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Brownsville, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Waco, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Brownsville, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

Waco, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Brownsville
Waco
51 Moderate
Air Quality
54 Moderate
48.6%
Good Air Days
35.5%
97 High
Climate Risk
99 High
🌊🌀🌡
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+2.2°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
52 days
Heat Days >95°F
90 days
▲+2.2°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
52 days
Heat Days >95°F
90 days

What to Consider When Moving from Brownsville, TX to Waco, TX

Relocating from Brownsville, TX to Waco, TX involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 2% lower in Waco, TX, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Waco, TX is 9% cheaper than in Brownsville, TX. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Waco, TX pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Waco, TX to match your current standard of living in Brownsville, TX.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Waco, TX for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Brownsville, TX vs Waco, TX

Is Waco, TX cheaper than Brownsville, TX?

Yes, Waco, TX is about 1.7% cheaper than Brownsville, TX. You could save approximately $125/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 9% lower in Waco, TX.

What salary do I need in Waco, TX to match my lifestyle in Brownsville, TX?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Brownsville, TX, you would need approximately $148,496 in Waco, TX to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Brownsville, TX and Waco, TX?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,093/month in Brownsville, TX compared to $1,034/month in Waco, TX. One-bedroom apartments are $906/month in Brownsville, TX vs $834/month in Waco, TX. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Brownsville, TX or Waco, TX?

Groceries are about 5% more expensive in Waco, TX than in Brownsville, TX, which adds roughly $41.91/month to a typical household budget. This covers common items like produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples based on BLS consumer expenditure data.

What is the best time to move from Brownsville, TX to Waco, TX?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Brownsville, TX on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $614/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $614/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $456/mo
4.Columbus, OH
Save $377/mo
5.Kansas City, MO
Save $377/mo

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