Waco, TX Cost of Living in 2026: What Baylor Students Actually Pay Each Month
If you're researching the cost of living in waco texas before committing to four years at Baylor, you're already ahead of most incoming students. Waco sits roughly 10–16% below the national average on most cost-of-living indices — BestPlaces puts the overall index at 83.4 versus 100 nationally — which means your dollar stretches noticeably further here than in Austin, Dallas, or most college towns on either coast. But "below average" is still a range, and knowing the real numbers — rent, groceries, gas, utilities, what Baylor charges versus what off-campus actually costs — helps you build a budget that doesn't fall apart by October.
Here's a clear-eyed breakdown of what Baylor students and their families should expect to spend each month in Waco in 2026.
The Waco Cost of Living Snapshot
Let's start with the big picture. The average cost of living in waco texas breaks down across five major categories:
- Housing: ~30% below the national average — by far the biggest savings
- Groceries: 7–8% below national average
- Gas: around $2.81/gallon (well under the national average)
- Utilities: roughly at or slightly above the national average (~$215–$220/month)
- Healthcare and transportation: modestly below average
For a college student, housing and groceries are the two biggest line items outside of tuition. Waco delivers meaningful savings on both. The tricky part is knowing which housing options actually deliver that savings — and which ones look cheap until you see the full bill.
What Rent Actually Costs in Waco
According to RentCafe's May 2026 data, average rent in Waco by unit size looks like this:
| Unit Type | Average Waco Rent | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $890/mo | ~$1,200/mo |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,072/mo | ~$1,500/mo |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,360/mo | ~$1,800/mo |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,547/mo | ~$2,100/mo |
Waco's overall average rent of $1,356/month runs 36% below the $1,637 national average. That gap is one of the bigger arguments for living in waco texas during your college years rather than heading to a more expensive market after graduation.
Keep in mind these are citywide averages. Student-oriented properties near Baylor — especially newer or upgraded ones — can run higher or lower depending on what's included.
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus: The Real Math
Baylor's own room and meal plan costs roughly $16,638 per year according to their published room and board estimates. Spread across a 9-month academic year, that's around $1,849/month. If you treat it as a full 12-month cost of ownership, it drops to about $1,387/month — but you're still paying for summers whether you're there or not.
On-campus housing is convenient, especially freshman year. But for sophomores, juniors, and seniors who already know the campus and want more space, more independence, and a real kitchen, the math often tips toward off-campus.
Here's a rough monthly budget comparison for a student living off-campus near Baylor:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (split 2BR) | $680–$765 |
| Utilities (split) | $110–$130 |
| Groceries | $250–$350 |
| Gas / Transportation | $60–$100 |
| Internet (if not included) | $60–$70 |
| Total Estimate | $1,160–$1,415 |
That range sits comfortably under on-campus room and board — and you get significantly more space, your own kitchen, and the ability to actually cook instead of relying on a meal plan.
How 19Eleven Fits Into the Budget
One of the more practical options for students who want proximity to Baylor without sacrificing quality is 19Eleven Apartments, a loft-style community at 1911 S 8th Street — about a 10-minute walk (roughly half a mile) from campus.
The loft style is worth mentioning because it's different from most student housing: exposed beams, polished concrete floors, and open layouts that actually feel like an apartment rather than a dorm with a kitchen. It's gated with controlled access, has an indoor pool, bark park, sports court, dedicated study rooms, and a coffee bar on-site.
Current rates at 19Eleven (as of 2026):
- 1 Bedroom: $1,035–$1,250/month
- 2 Bedroom: $1,295–$1,530/month
- 3 Bedroom: $1,425–$1,660/month
- 4 Bedroom: $1,750–$1,800/month
Plus a flat $97/month fee that covers internet, trash, pest control, and facility access — no itemized surprises at the end of the month. That's notably different from properties that advertise a low base rent and then stack on $50 for internet, $25 for trash, and $40 for a "community fee."
Split a 4-bedroom unit four ways and you're looking at $437–$450 per person for rent (before the flat fee). A 2-bedroom split two ways comes to $648–$765 per person. Either way, it's a real number you can put into a budget spreadsheet. If you're comparing true costs across different properties, the flat-fee structure makes 19Eleven easier to evaluate apples-to-apples.
For a broader overview of what off-campus rent looks like across different areas near Baylor, this breakdown of Baylor off-campus housing costs in 2026 is worth reading alongside this one.
Groceries, Gas, and the Rest
Groceries
Waco has a solid mix of grocery options — H-E-B (a Texas staple), Walmart, Aldi, and a few others. Groceries run 7–8% below the national average here. A student cooking at home most nights can realistically budget $250–$350/month and eat well. That's lower than what you'd spend in Austin or Dallas for the same basket of food.
Gas and Transportation
At around $2.81/gallon, Waco is easy on the gas budget. The campus and the area immediately around it are walkable enough that some students don't need a car at all — or at least don't need to drive it daily. If you're commuting to a part-time job or heading home on weekends, figure $60–$100/month in gas depending on your situation.
Utilities
This is the one category where Waco doesn't offer much savings. Central Texas heat means air conditioning runs hard from May through September, and utility bills of $215–$220/month for a typical apartment aren't unusual in summer. Some student-oriented properties include utilities (or internet, at minimum) in the rent — worth factoring in when you're comparing options.
Dining Out
Waco has a legitimate restaurant scene, including a walkable stretch along Magnolia and around campus. You can eat out affordably here — tacos, burgers, and solid lunch spots are all under $12–$15. Budget $150–$250/month if you're eating out a few times a week, less if you cook regularly.
Building Your Monthly Budget
Here's a realistic all-in monthly budget for a Baylor student living off-campus in 2026:
| Category | Conservative | Moderate |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (split 2BR at 19Eleven) | $648 | $765 |
| Flat fee (internet, trash, etc.) | $49 | $49 |
| Utilities (split) | $110 | $130 |
| Groceries | $250 | $330 |
| Gas | $60 | $100 |
| Dining out | $100 | $200 |
| Personal / misc | $75 | $125 |
| Monthly Total | $1,292 | $1,699 |
The conservative column is very achievable if you're cooking regularly, not driving much, and splitting a unit with a roommate. The moderate column assumes normal social spending and a bit of flexibility.
Both scenarios compare favorably to on-campus room and board, especially once you account for the flexibility of off-campus living — you can sublet or move out over summer, you're not locked into a meal plan, and your housing doesn't evaporate if you study abroad for a semester.
Timing Your Search
The waco tx cost of living advantage is real, but affordable units near Baylor move faster than most students expect. The best apartments — especially 4-bedrooms and larger units that roommate groups want — are often claimed by November or December for the following fall. If you're planning to move in August, starting your search in October or November is not too early.
For a month-by-month guide to when to start apartment hunting near Baylor, that post walks through exactly when to start looking based on when you need to be in.
Bottom Line
The waco texas cost of living is genuinely one of the better-kept secrets in college affordability. Housing that would cost $1,800/month in Austin runs $1,100–$1,300 here. Gas is cheap. Groceries are below average. The only category that bites is summer utility bills, and those are manageable with a roommate or two.
For Baylor students doing the real math — comparing on-campus costs to what off-campus actually runs all-in — the numbers tend to favor off-campus living by sophomore year. The key is finding a place that's transparent about fees, close enough to campus to be practical, and actually worth living in.
Ready to See What Your Rent Would Be?
If you want to see actual floor plans and current pricing at 19Eleven, check the floor plans page — it lists current availability by unit type. The amenities page covers what's included in the flat monthly fee. When you're ready to move forward, you can start your application online in about 15 minutes.
Or if you want to walk the property and see a unit before committing to anything, schedule a tour and we'll show you around.
