Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Abilene is 53% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,106/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 63%
$62,720/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 81%
$178,900 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 236%
$1,114/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 75%
127,130
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $696/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $8,352/year.

Median household income is $50,676/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Arvada — common questions

Is Abilene or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Arvada?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $696/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Arvada?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $50,676/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Colorado?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Arvada details →

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