Example household · Abilene, TX · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

Waco skyline

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Abilene vs Waco

Abilene and Waco

Photo: HuecoBear / Wikimedia, Public domain

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in Waco are close to the US rate in this release, 5.9 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Abilene to Waco

In 2022-2023, 30 households filed a move from Abilene to Waco (about 51 people, average adjusted gross income $48,267). 25 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,421 in Abilene and $1,108 in Waco. Abilene has no state tax on wages. Waco has no state tax on wages. Local pay in Waco is 84% of the national level for the same work, against 84% in Abilene.

Waco averages 221 sunny days, with July highs around 95°F and January nights around 37°F. Abilene is 254 sunny days, 98°F in July, 36°F in January. Commutes average 22 minutes in Waco and 18 in Abilene.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 30 households moved Abilene → Waco (about 51 people, average AGI $48,267). 25 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Abilene and Waco changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 185 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$1,750–$3,250
Container or pod
$1,150–$2,200
Rent a truck
$450–$850

Movers in Waco and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Waco cheaper than Abilene after tax and rent?

Yes. Waco leaves about $316 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,421 in Abilene and $1,108 in Waco.

Does Waco have state income tax?

Waco is in Texas, which has no state income tax.

Did people actually move from Abilene to Waco?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.