Ogden vs Waco
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Ogden
Waco
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 28.9%, with Waco being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Ogden has equivalent purchasing power to $58,178 in Waco.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Ogden has the same purchasing power as $58,178 in Waco.
Conversely, $75,000 in Waco equals $96,687 in Ogden.
Living in Ogden vs Waco
Housing Costs
Ogden's housing index of 112 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: $1,250/mo in Ogden compared to $1,050/mo in Waco, a monthly difference of $200.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 92 in Ogden and 95 in Waco. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $437/month in Ogden 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 80 in Ogden and 97 in Waco. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Ogden vs $388 in Waco. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 91 in Ogden 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 $70,100 in Ogden and $49,500 in Waco. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $65,514 and $59,639 respectively. Ogden residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,636/month to housing in Ogden vs $1,155/month in Waco. In Ogden, median rent of $1,250/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 49 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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