Is Killeen, TX cheaper than Waco, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Killeen, TX is 3.3% more expensive than Waco, TX. This translates to spending an extra $250 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Waco, TX, you'd need approximately $152,999.984 in Killeen, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Killeen, TX is 24.5% more expensive than in Waco, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $898/month in Killeen, TX compared to $1,034/month in Waco, TX.

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

Living in Killeen, TX costs approximately $250 more per month than Waco, TX, or $3000 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Waco, TX vs Killeen, 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 $250/month more in Killeen, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.0K in Killeen, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$250

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.0K

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

Killeen, TX

Population:160K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$118K

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!

Killeen, TX

The Lone Star State

160K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 160K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Waco, TX vs Killeen, TX

Category	Waco, TX	Killeen, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,950/mo	$2,427/mo	↑ $477more	24.5%
Transportation	$1,273/mo	$1,200/mo	↓ $72.49less	5.7%
Healthcare	$626/mo	$569/mo	↓ $56.79less	9.1%
Other	$1,576/mo	$1,627/mo	↑ $51.22more	3.2%
Groceries	$970/mo	$927/mo	↓ $42.35less	4.4%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$523/mo	↓ $34.37less	6.2%

Housing

↑ 24.5%

Waco, TX

$1,950

Killeen, TX

$2,427

Difference

$477

Transportation

↓ 5.7%

Waco, TX

$1,273

Killeen, TX

$1,200

Difference

$72.49

less

Healthcare

↓ 9.1%

Waco, TX

$626

Killeen, TX

$569

Difference

$56.79

less

Other

↑ 3.2%

Waco, TX

$1,576

Killeen, TX

$1,627

Difference

$51.22

Groceries

↓ 4.4%

Waco, TX

$970

Killeen, TX

$927

Difference

$42.35

less

All Utilities

↓ 6.2%

Waco, TX

$557

Killeen, TX

$523

Difference

$34.37

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$709

To$715

↑ $6.00

1 Bed

From$834

To$723

↓ $111

2 Bed

From$1,034

To$898

↓ $136

3 Bed

From$1,334

To$1,247

↓ $87.00

Waco, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,160/mo

Killeen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $910–$910/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

$7,274

Monthly in Killeen, TX

$322

Difference

Home Values

Waco

Killeen

$241K

Median Value

$118K

↓ -1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.5%

↑ +32.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +31.2%

$137K - $296K

Price Range

$118K

Homes in Killeen are 51% less expensive than Waco

Calculate payment - Waco Calculate payment - Killeen

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

Killeen, 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%

Killeen, 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.