Is Denver, CO cheaper than Waco, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 18.1% more expensive than Waco, TX. This translates to spending an extra $1354 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Waco, TX, you'd need approximately $166,252.711 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Waco, TX and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 66.6% more expensive than in Waco, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,034/month in Waco, TX.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1354 more per month than Waco, TX, or $16253 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Waco, TX vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Waco, TX — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Arlington, TX area

Current salary in Waco, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $166.3K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 18.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,354

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$16.3K

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

Median Home:$241K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:118

Median Home:$513K

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!

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Waco, TX vs Denver, CO

Category	Waco, TX	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,950/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,299more	66.6%
📦Other	$1,576/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $198more	12.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,273/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $189more	14.8%
🛒Groceries	$970/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $59.42more	6.1%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$519/mo	↓ $38.28less	6.9%
🏥Healthcare	$626/mo	$632/mo	↑ $6.10more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 66.6%

Waco, TX

$1,950

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,299

📦Other

↑ 12.6%

Waco, TX

$1,576

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$198

🚗Transportation

↑ 14.8%

Waco, TX

$1,273

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$189

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.1%

Waco, TX

$970

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$59.42

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.9%

Waco, TX

$557

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$38.28

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.0%

Waco, TX

$626

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$6.10

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Waco, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$709

To$1,720

↑ $1,011

1 Bed

From$834

To$1,840

↑ $1,006

2 Bed

From$1,034

To$2,190

↑ $1,156

3 Bed

From$1,334

To$2,870

↑ $1,536

Waco, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,160/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,713

Difference

Home Values

Waco

Denver

$241K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +32.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$137K - $296K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 112% more expensive than Waco

Calculate payment - Waco Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $6.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$550

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.4%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Waco, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.