Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Abilene is 37% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,106/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 53%
$62,720/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↑ 23%
$178,900 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$293,800 ↑ 64%
$1,114/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 39%
127,130
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $585/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $7,020/year.

Median household income is $14,348/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Brandon — common questions

Is Abilene or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Brandon?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $585/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Brandon?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $14,348/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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