Retirement Cost in Waco, TX: 2026 Budget Guide
A comfortable retirement in Waco costs approximately $41,704/year — 20% below the national average of $52,000. Here's the full breakdown.
$41,704
Annual retirement cost
$3,475
Per month
$1,042,600
Nest egg needed (25× rule)
Direct Answer
Retiring in Waco, TX costs about $41,704 per year, or $3,475 per month. That is 20% below the national retirement budget benchmark, with an estimated $1,042,600 nest egg using the 4% rule.
Annual budget
$41,704
Range: $27,108-$60,471
Monthly budget
$3,475
Housing, healthcare, food, transport, utilities, and lifestyle
Portfolio target
$1,042,600
25x annual spending, before personalized tax planning
Tax note
Tax-friendly
Texas has no state income tax
Waco is a budget-friendly retirement destination. Texas has no state income tax, which can save retirees thousands annually on pension and 401(k) withdrawals.
Annual Retirement Budget in Waco
Based on BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey (65+ households), adjusted for Waco's cost index (82). Range: $27,108–$60,471.
How Much Do You Need to Retire in Waco?
Standard
$1,042,600
4% Rule (25×)
Most common retirement planning benchmark
Conservative
$1,251,120
3.3% Rule (30×)
Conservative approach for longer retirements
After SS
$20,704
Savings needed/year
After avg Social Security (~$21,000/yr)
How Waco Compares
Waco Annual Cost
$41,704
National Average
$52,000
Difference
$-10,296/yr
20% more affordable
Retirement Planning Tips for Waco
✓Texas has no state income tax — a significant benefit for retirees drawing from 401(k)s, IRAs, or pensions.
✓Housing in Waco accounts for roughly $14,596/year of retirement costs — consider whether renting or owning makes more sense given your timeline.
✓Healthcare costs here run approximately $7,507/year. Compare Medicare Advantage plans by ZIP code — coverage and premiums vary significantly.
✓The estimated nest egg needed to retire in Waco is $1,042,600 using the 4% withdrawal rule.
✓Waco is a relatively affordable retirement destination, letting your savings stretch further.
Retirement Decision Checklist
Compare housing at $1,216/month against your rent, mortgage, HOA, and property tax plan.
Budget healthcare at about $626/month before Medicare supplement, dental, and long-term care choices.
Stress test the plan with the conservative $1,251,120 portfolio target if you want a lower withdrawal rate.
Use $20,704/year as the rough portfolio-funded gap after average Social Security assumptions.
More for Waco
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to retire in Waco?
A comfortable retirement in Waco costs approximately $41,704 per year ($3,475/month). This includes $14,596 for housing, $7,507 for healthcare, and $6,256 for transportation. Actual costs range from $27,108 to $60,471 depending on lifestyle.
How much money do I need to retire in Waco?
Using the 4% withdrawal rule, you need approximately $1,042,600 in savings to retire in Waco. For a more conservative 3.3% withdrawal rate (30× rule), the target is $1,251,120. If you expect average Social Security benefits (~$21,000/year), your portfolio needs to cover the remaining $20,704/year.
Is Waco a good place to retire?
Yes — Waco is a budget-friendly retirement destination at $41,704/year, 20% below the national average. Your retirement savings will go further here. The absence of state income tax is a notable advantage for retirees in Texas.
What is the biggest retirement expense in Waco?
Housing is the largest retirement expense in Waco, accounting for approximately 35% of the budget at $14,596/year ($1,216/month). Healthcare is the second-largest at $7,507/year, followed by transportation at $6,256/year.