Is Denton, TX cheaper than Waco, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Denton, TX is 13.7% more expensive than Waco, TX. This translates to spending an extra $1026 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Waco, TX, you'd need approximately $162,310.486 in Denton, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Denton, TX is 22.3% more expensive than in Waco, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,567/month in Denton, TX compared to $1,034/month in Waco, TX.

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

Living in Denton, TX costs approximately $1026 more per month than Waco, TX, or $12310 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Waco, TX vs Denton, 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 spend $1.0K/month more in Denton, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.3K in Denton, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 13.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,026

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.3K

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

Denton, TX

Population:158K

Cost Index:

114

(14% above avg)

Median Home:$354K

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!

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!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Waco, TX vs Denton, TX

Category	Waco, TX	Denton, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,950/mo	$2,384/mo	↑ $434more	22.3%
Other	$1,576/mo	$1,924/mo	↑ $347more	22.0%
Transportation	$1,273/mo	$1,297/mo	↑ $23.95more	1.9%
Groceries	$970/mo	$979/mo	↑ $9.08more	0.9%
Healthcare	$626/mo	$632/mo	↑ $5.86more	0.9%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$563/mo	↑ $5.22more	0.9%

Housing

↑ 22.3%

Waco, TX

$1,950

Denton, TX

$2,384

Difference

$434

Other

↑ 22.0%

Waco, TX

$1,576

Denton, TX

$1,924

Difference

$347

Transportation

↑ 1.9%

Waco, TX

$1,273

Denton, TX

$1,297

Difference

$23.95

Groceries

↑ 0.9%

Waco, TX

$970

Denton, TX

$979

Difference

$9.08

Healthcare

↑ 0.9%

Waco, TX

$626

Denton, TX

$632

Difference

$5.86

All Utilities

↑ 0.9%

Waco, TX

$557

Denton, TX

$563

Difference

$5.22

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$709

To$1,283

↑ $574

1 Bed

From$834

To$1,338

↑ $504

2 Bed

From$1,034

To$1,567

↑ $533

3 Bed

From$1,334

To$1,970

↑ $636

Waco, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,160/mo

Denton, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,720/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

$7,777

Monthly in Denton, TX

$826

Difference

Home Values

Waco

Denton

$241K

Median Value

$354K

↓ -1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +32.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.4%

$137K - $296K

Price Range

$273K - $402K

Homes in Denton are 47% more expensive than Waco

Calculate payment - Waco Calculate payment - Denton

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Waco, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Denton, 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.