2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Waco, TX vs Petaluma, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Petaluma or is it cheaper to live in Waco?
- Petaluma is 82.0% more expensive than Waco.

Which city has more affordable housing, Petaluma or Waco?
- Petaluma housing costs are 389.1% more expensive than Waco housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Waco or is Health Care more affordable in Petaluma.
- Health related expenses are 9.2% more in Petaluma.
 Waco, TXPetaluma, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock151.8100
 Food & Groceries92.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock110.3100
 Housing57.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$839,600$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock113.1100
 Miscellaneous91.3  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Waco    20 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

This town is a nightmare for all nearby towns or people passing through. Expect to add an hour to your trip if you're passing through. Traffic. Traffic traffic.  More

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Best city in Texas when you count traffic, housing cost, eateries, Baylor Bear sports, largest urban lake in Texas, Texas Rangers Hall of Fame, Texas Sports Hall of  More

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i was raised in waco tx and recently moved to country to get away from the drama and crime associated w living in waco.But it seems now the city of Waco has purchased  More

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Reviews for Petaluma    16 Reviews

I agree with the low star reviews. Been here for 25 years, raised a family and seen everything turn to the left and worse. Weather is glorious, love the old Victorians  More

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We’ve lived here for 3 years and we love it. It has taken some time to grow on us. We moved from SF where we had lived over 15 years, we were not used to one year leases  More

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I’ve lived here a couple of years (after living in others parts of the Bay Area for 15+ years) and I love it! Great neighborhoods, friendly folks, good schools with  More

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