Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Abilene is 180% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,106/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 92%
$62,720/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 73%
$178,900 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 655%
$1,114/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 110%
127,130
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,021/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $12,252/year.

Median household income is $45,838/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Abilene or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Berkeley?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,021/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Berkeley?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $45,838/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Berkeley details →