City vs city
Columbia, SC vs Waco, TX
- Rent is 3% lower in Waco (median $1,165/mo vs $1,204/mo in Columbia).
- Homes cost 19% less in Waco ($222k vs $264k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $318 more a month after taxes and rent in Waco.
- Waco has no state income tax on wages; Columbia does.
- Schools rate higher in Columbia (1.9/10 vs 1.7/10).
- Waco has less violent crime (4.1 vs 7.9 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
| Columbia | Waco | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,204/mo | $1,165/mo |
| Median home value | $264k | $222k |
| Median household income | $56k | $54k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,650 | $3,968 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | None |
| School rating | 1.9/10 | 1.7/10 |
| Violent crime | 2.2× the US rate | 1.1× the US rate |
| Summer average | 93°F | 97°F |
| Winter average | 47°F | 47°F |
| Sunny days a year | 222 | 233 |
| Walk score | 40 | 48 |
| Population | 139,643 | 143,570 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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