A+
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
52%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Waycross Georgia National
Cost of living8496100
Groceries10299100
Health care9999100
Housing4888100
Transportation9699100
Utilities104102100
Lifestyle & Entertainment99100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare9599100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Waycross, GA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Waycross? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Waycross stands at 84, making it 16% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Waycross housing costs are 52% less than the national average, making this area an affordable place to live. Your net income can be heavily impacted by housing expenses, at times exceeding 30%. Fortunately, this area demonstrates that both homeownership and renting costs are significantly more budget-friendly than in the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, Waycross residents can earmark a more manageable portion of their income to housing.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Waycross?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 6 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Waycross. The results indicated that 33% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 67% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Waycross Affordable?

Is Waycross an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Waycross is 60.8% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 31.6% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Waycross has a median household income of $44,555, which is 45.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Waycross?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Waycross, healthcare costs are 1.5% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Waycross, the utilities index stands at 4.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Waycross cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Waycross is 13% lower than the Georgia average
  • The cost of living in Waycross is 16% lower than the national average
  • Waycross housing is 52% lower than the national average
  • Georgia general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Georgia state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Waycross

See all the best places to live around Waycross

Compare Waycross, GA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$65,255$5,438$1,523$1,958
      Renters$36,466$3,039$851$1,094
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Waycross is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Waycross has a median income of about $65,255 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,523 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $36,466. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $851 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Georgia Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Georgia 4% 8%

      Georgia Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Georgia 1% 5.57%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sunnyside, GA1,2648119.0%
      Offerman, GA8228317.5%
      Patterson, GA8348812.1%
      Blackshear, GA3,5738811.8%
      Hoboken, GA7218811.8%
      Waycross, GA13,9578416.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Dolbeau-Mistassini, QC13,956n/a 
      Snoqualmie, WA13,95416969.3%
      Mount Vernon, VA13,95215756.9%
      Powell River, BC13,967n/a 
      Ridge, NY13,94112626.1%
      Waycross, GA13,9578416.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.