Is College Station, TX cheaper than Waco, TX?

Based on cost of living data, College Station, TX is 5.0% cheaper than Waco, TX. This translates to saving $373 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Waco, TX, you'd need approximately $145,518.511 in College Station, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Waco, TX and College Station, TX?

Housing in College Station, TX is 7.2% cheaper than in Waco, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $975/month in College Station, TX compared to $1,034/month in Waco, TX.

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

Moving from Waco, TX to College Station, TX could save you approximately $373 per month, or $4481 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Waco, TX vs College Station, 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 Waco, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $373/month moving to College Station, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.5K in College Station, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$373

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.5K

Per year

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

Waco, TX

Population:145K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$241K

College Station, TX

Population:125K

Cost Index:

(5% below avg)

Median Home:$319K

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!

College Station, TX

The Lone Star State

125K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 125K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Waco, TX vs College Station, TX

Category	Waco, TX	College Station, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,950/mo	$1,809/mo	↓ $141less	7.2%
Groceries	$970/mo	$873/mo	↓ $96.91less	10.0%
Healthcare	$626/mo	$538/mo	↓ $87.60less	14.0%
Transportation	$1,273/mo	$1,330/mo	↑ $56.94more	4.5%
Other	$1,576/mo	$1,622/mo	↑ $45.68more	2.9%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$529/mo	↓ $28.24less	5.1%

Housing

↓ 7.2%

Waco, TX

$1,950

College Station, TX

$1,809

Difference

$141

less

Groceries

↓ 10.0%

Waco, TX

$970

College Station, TX

$873

Difference

$96.91

less

Healthcare

↓ 14.0%

Waco, TX

$626

College Station, TX

$538

Difference

$87.60

less

Transportation

↑ 4.5%

Waco, TX

$1,273

College Station, TX

$1,330

Difference

$56.94

Other

↑ 2.9%

Waco, TX

$1,576

College Station, TX

$1,622

Difference

$45.68

All Utilities

↓ 5.1%

Waco, TX

$557

College Station, TX

$529

Difference

$28.24

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$709

To$842

↑ $133

1 Bed

From$834

To$889

↑ $55.00

2 Bed

From$1,034

To$975

↓ $59.00

3 Bed

From$1,334

To$1,357

↑ $23.00

Waco, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,160/mo

College Station, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,090–$1,190/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.

$6,952

Monthly in Waco, TX

$6,701

Monthly in College Station, TX

$251

Difference

Home Values

Waco

College Station

$241K

Median Value

$319K

↓ -1.1%

YoY Change

↑ +0.8%

↑ +32.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.6%

$137K - $296K

Price Range

$281K - $358K

Homes in College Station are 32% more expensive than Waco

Calculate payment - Waco Calculate payment - College Station

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

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

College Station, 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

Waco, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

College Station, 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.