Denton vs Waco
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Denton
Waco
The Verdict
Waco is 30.1% less expensive than Denton overall. A household earning $75,000 in Denton would need approximately $57,639 in Waco to maintain the same standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Denton has the same purchasing power as $57,639 in Waco.
Conversely, $75,000 in Waco equals $97,590 in Denton.
Living in Denton vs Waco
Housing Costs
Denton's housing index of 126 is higher Waco's 63, translating to median home prices of $385,000 vs $230,000. The $155,000 difference in home prices means roughly $10,080 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,425/mo in Denton compared to $1,050/mo in Waco, a monthly difference of $375.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 98 in Denton and 95 in Waco. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Denton 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 90 in Denton and 97 in Waco. Monthly utility bills average approximately $360 in Denton vs $388 in Waco. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 81 in Denton and 93 in Waco. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 12-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $73,700 in Denton and $49,500 in Waco. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $68,241 and $59,639 respectively. Denton residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,720/month to housing in Denton vs $1,155/month in Waco. In Denton, median rent of $1,425/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 63 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases