Is Waco, TX cheaper than Denton, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Waco, TX is 12.0% cheaper than Denton, TX. This translates to saving $902 per month.

What salary do I need in Waco, TX to live like I do in Denton, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Denton, TX, you'd need approximately $139,170.771 in Waco, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denton, TX and Waco, TX?

Housing in Waco, TX is 18.2% cheaper than in Denton, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,034/month in Waco, TX compared to $1,567/month in Denton, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Denton, TX to Waco, TX?

Moving from Denton, TX to Waco, TX could save you approximately $902 per month, or $10829 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Denton, TX vs Waco, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Denton, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $902/month moving to Waco, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.2K in Waco, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$902

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.8K

Per year

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

Denton, TX

Population:158K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$354K

Waco, TX

Population:145K

Cost Index:

(12% below avg)

Median Home:$241K

Denton, TX

The Lone Star State

158K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 158K 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: Denton, TX vs Waco, TX

Category	Denton, TX	Waco, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,384/mo	$1,950/mo	↓ $434less	18.2%
Other	$1,924/mo	$1,576/mo	↓ $347less	18.1%
Transportation	$1,297/mo	$1,273/mo	↓ $23.95less	1.8%
Groceries	$979/mo	$970/mo	↓ $9.08less	0.9%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$626/mo	↓ $5.86less	0.9%
All Utilities	$563/mo	$557/mo	↓ $5.22less	0.9%

Housing

↓ 18.2%

Denton, TX

$2,384

Waco, TX

$1,950

Difference

$434

less

Other

↓ 18.1%

Denton, TX

$1,924

Waco, TX

$1,576

Difference

$347

less

Transportation

↓ 1.8%

Denton, TX

$1,297

Waco, TX

$1,273

Difference

$23.95

less

Groceries

↓ 0.9%

Denton, TX

$979

Waco, TX

$970

Difference

$9.08

less

Healthcare

↓ 0.9%

Denton, TX

$632

Waco, TX

$626

Difference

$5.86

less

All Utilities

↓ 0.9%

Denton, TX

$563

Waco, TX

$557

Difference

$5.22

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,283

To$709

↓ $574

1 Bed

From$1,338

To$834

↓ $504

2 Bed

From$1,567

To$1,034

↓ $533

3 Bed

From$1,970

To$1,334

↓ $636

Denton, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,720/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.

$7,777

Monthly in Denton, TX

$6,952

Monthly in Waco, TX

$826

Difference

Home Values

Denton

Waco

$354K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +27.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.7%

$273K - $402K

Price Range

$137K - $296K

Homes in Waco are 32% less expensive than Denton

Calculate payment - Denton Calculate 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

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Denton, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

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

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

Denton, 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.