Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Abilene is 50% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,106/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 40%
$62,720/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 29%
$178,900 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 143%
$1,114/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 47%
127,130
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $18,369/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Abilene or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $18,369/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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