Example household · Los Angeles, CA · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

Waco skyline

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Los Angeles vs Waco

Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles to Waco

In 2022-2023, 97 households filed a move from Los Angeles to Waco (about 172 people, average adjusted gross income $68,412). 38 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $2,273 in Los Angeles and $1,108 in Waco. Los Angeles has a 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 112% in Los Angeles.

Waco averages 221 sunny days, with July highs around 95°F and January nights around 37°F. Los Angeles is 284 sunny days, 84°F in July, 48°F in January. Commutes average 22 minutes in Waco and 32 in Los Angeles.

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 · Is Texas cheaper than California after tax?

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 97 households moved Los Angeles → Waco (about 172 people, average AGI $68,412). 38 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 Los Angeles and Waco changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 1,468 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$3,500–$6,600
Container or pod
$2,500–$4,700
Rent a truck
$1,450–$2,750

Movers in Waco and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Waco cheaper than Los Angeles after tax and rent?

Yes. Waco leaves about $2,020 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $2,273 in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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.