Uprootmap
Phoenix vs Waco
Phoenix and Waco
Photo: HuecoBear / Wikimedia, Public domain
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
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 Phoenix to Waco
In 2022-2023, 51 households filed a move from Phoenix to Waco (about 95 people, average adjusted gross income $54,314). 38 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,277 in Phoenix and $1,108 in Waco. Phoenix 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 97% in Phoenix.
Waco averages 221 sunny days, with July highs around 95°F and January nights around 37°F. Phoenix is 299 sunny days, 106°F in July, 46°F in January. Commutes average 22 minutes in Waco and 26 in Phoenix.
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.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 51 households moved Phoenix → Waco (about 95 people, average AGI $54,314). 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 Phoenix and Waco changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 1,042 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $2,700–$5,100
- Container or pod
- $1,900–$3,600
- Rent a truck
- $1,050–$1,950
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Dig into Waco
Questions
Is Waco cheaper than Phoenix after tax and rent?
Yes. Waco leaves about $473 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,277 in Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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.