Boise vs Waco
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Boise
Waco
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 27.7%, with Waco being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Boise has equivalent purchasing power to $58,726 in Waco.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Boise has the same purchasing power as $58,726 in Waco.
Conversely, $75,000 in Waco equals $95,783 in Boise.
Living in Boise vs Waco
Housing Costs
Boise's housing index of 118 is higher Waco's 63, translating to median home prices of $420,000 vs $230,000. The $190,000 difference in home prices means roughly $12,348 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Boise compared to $1,050/mo in Waco, a monthly difference of $350.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Boise and 95 in Waco. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Boise vs $451/month in Waco. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 89 in Boise and 97 in Waco. Monthly utility bills average approximately $356 in Boise vs $388 in Waco. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 98 in Boise and 93 in Waco. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $60,818 in Boise and $49,500 in Waco. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $57,375 and $59,639 respectively. Waco residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,419/month to housing in Boise vs $1,155/month in Waco. In Boise, median rent of $1,400/mo fits within this budget. In Waco, median rent of $1,050/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 55 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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