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Waco, TX

Cost of living in McLennan County, TX

Part of the Waco Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,917/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 263,608 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,106 38%
Healthcare $480 16%
Federal tax $423 15%
Groceries $334 11%
Transport $320 11%
Energy $199 7%
Water $55 2%
State tax $0 0%

Rent in McLennan County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$944
per month
1 bedroom
$1,106
per month
2 bedroom
$1,377
per month
3 bedroom
$1,776
per month
4 bedroom
$1,826
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in McLennan County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$63,888
per year
Individual earnings
$35,956
per year
Per capita
$33,019
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in McLennan County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$219,200
Annual property tax
$3,347

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in McLennan County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$167
per month · 14.5¢/kWh
Natural gas
$32
per month
Annual total
$2,388
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in McLennan County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
13.8%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in McLennan County

State and local tax rates for Texas.

No state income tax
Texas does not levy a personal income tax.
State sales tax
6.3%
Combined sales tax
8.2%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in McLennan County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
20.7 min
Drive alone
79.0%
Public transit
0.4%
Work from home
8.6%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for McLennan County

What it costs to live in McLennan County each month.

Single person
$2,917
per month
  • Rent $1,106
  • Energy $199
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $334
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $423
  • State tax $0
Couple
$4,233
per month
  • Rent $1,377
  • Energy $239
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $553
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $715
  • State tax $0
Family
$6,774
per month
  • Rent $1,776
  • Energy $298
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $840
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $715
  • State tax $0

Frequently asked questions about McLennan County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in McLennan County?

In McLennan County, TX, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,106 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,377 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,776 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in McLennan County?

In McLennan County, TX, the average household income is $63,888 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $35,956 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in McLennan County?

The estimated cost of living in McLennan County, TX is approximately $2,917 per month for a single person, $4,233 for a couple, $6,774 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in McLennan County?

The combined sales tax rate in McLennan County, TX is 8.19%, which includes the Texas state rate of 6.25% plus an average local rate of 1.94%.

Is McLennan County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in McLennan County, TX would need approximately $2,917 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $63,888 per year ($5,324 per month). McLennan County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in McLennan County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in McLennan County, TX is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 13.8% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in McLennan County?

The average home value in McLennan County, TX is $219,200, with average annual property taxes of $3,347, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does McLennan County compare to other areas?

You can compare McLennan County, TX with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. McLennan County is in the Waco, TX metro area.

Other counties in Texas

Browse the full list of counties in Texas, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Texas

Compare McLennan County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources