Waco vs. Austin: City Comparisons, Cost of Living, Culture, Job Market

Considering a move to the Lone Star State? Austin and Waco are two popular choices, and while these two Texas cities are separated by less than a two-hour drive, they offer their residents completely different lifestyles with their own respective pros and cons. Let’s take a look at these two Texas cities to see how Austin and Waco compare. 

Waco vs. Austin Quick Stats

The Main Differences 

If you’re planning a move to Texas and considering the pros and cons of Waco vs. Austin, you need to know that these cities offer two very different ways of living. While they share a similar climate, these two cities can feel separated by more than a couple of hours on the road.  

Here’s a helpful starting point. Have you ever heard the phrase “Keep Austin Weird”? It’s a local motto that Austinites use to celebrate their general quirkiness and to signal their resistance to overdevelopment and commercialization. In other words, this is an alternative place with unorthodox values, and its residents are proud of that. 

How you feel about living somewhere “weird” is a pretty accurate indicator of whether you’ll prefer Austin or Waco, with the latter being a more conventional place to live. As you’d expect, Austin also offers the same pros and cons as any big city: more to do, but a little harder to find peace and quiet.  

In summary, don’t be fooled into thinking Waco is a mini version of Austin. The vibe in Waco is more traditional and conservative, the pace of life is slower and more family-oriented, and the biggest enjoyers of local “nightlife” are the city’s raccoon population. That being said, you can still have fun in Waco, and you can certainly raise a family in Austin. 

Size & Location

Waco Geography & Population

The smaller northern city of Waco encompasses nearly 102 square miles, with a population of 144,816 and a population density of 1,561 people per square mile according to the latest census data. The topography surrounding the city is relatively flat, with abundant water sources nearby. The Brazos River runs through the heart of the city, and nearby Lake Waco offers natural beauty and seasonal swimming opportunities for Wacoans. 

Austin Geography & Population

The huge 326-square-mile capital city provides ample space for residents to enjoy the best of the Texas Hill Country. The population of the immediate city is just shy of a million residents with a density of 3,006 people per square mile. Austin residents typically enjoy the rolling hills and nearby Lake Travis, and access to the Gulf Coast is a mere three-hour drive. 

Things To Do

Waco Culture & Entertainment

While Waco has plenty of attractions, one of the most interesting is the Magnolia Market shopping center, made famous by the two 120-foot silos towering over it. Power couple Chip and Joanna Gaines, the Waco residents best known for HGTV’s Fixer Upper TV series, built the two-block center with a bakery, garden shop, food trucks, and outdoor recreation space in 2015. Whether you live in Waco or visit, it is a must-see. In addition to the Magnolia Market, the Brazos River and 416-acre Cameron Park provide opportunities for kayaking, picnicking, and enjoying the outdoors. 

Austin Culture & Entertainment

Whether you enjoy listening to blues, country, jazz, punk, or indie, the city of Austin is a music lover’s dream. With over 250 music venues spread across the city and the annual occurrence of world-famous festivals like Austin City Limits, the city offers endless live music opportunities. It goes without saying that Austin is more of a music city than a sports city — it didn’t have a single professional sports team until 2021 — but college football fanatics can follow the ups and downs of the Texas Longhorns and soccer lovers can cheer on the newly formed Austin FC in MLS. 

If music and sports are not at the top of your priority list, Austin offers plenty of unique art, shopping, nightlife, and outdoor recreation options that cater to individuals of all ages. Highlights include: 

• South Austin Museum of Popular Culture
• Texas Memorial Museum
• Zilker Park
• Lake Travis

Industries & Local Economy

Waco Economy

Waco’s economy has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. It ranks seventh in the U.S. for job growth and welcomed 1.7 million tourists in 2021. In addition to its booming small businesses and tourism-based economy, Waco’s primary industries revolve around healthcare, manufacturing, and Baylor University. 

Austin Economy

The nearby southern city of Austin also has a strong economy and has undergone considerable growth in the last decade. Austin ranks as the 13th best-performing city among the top 50 metros. Since 2020, the city has added nearly 100,000 jobs and growth of 8.6%, showing no signs of slowing down. The industries fueling Austin’s growth are primarily focused around technology, defense, and pharmaceuticals. 

Waco vs. Austin Cost of Living

The cost of living in Austin vs. Waco is a major consideration for people looking to move to the region. Since Austin has become such a popular city, accommodation costs are much higher than they are in Waco. According to Zillow, the average home price in Austin is currently around $510,000, while the average in Waco is $190,000. Additionally, restaurant costs are 15.5% higher and groceries 12.9% higher.  

How To Choose Between Austin vs. Waco?

Waco vs. Austin is a tricky choice, even for Texans who know both places inside out. Both offer great opportunities and benefits, so it all comes down to your priorities and lifestyle preferences. Waco has the edge in terms of affordability and tranquility, while Austin is one of the most exciting and happening places in the country, let alone Texas. Fortunately, you can always visit both cities, given their proximity to one another! 

Life At Lakeside

Despite being just 45 minutes from downtown Austin, Lakeside offers some of the best outdoor recreation amenities and opportunities in the Texas Hill Country region. So if you want to be within easy reach of Austin’s unique culture but you also have a taste for nature, schedule a tour of Lakeside at Tessera to have your cake and eat it too!