Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Abilene is 168% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,106/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 148%
$62,720/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 102%
$178,900 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 482%
$1,114/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 136%
127,130
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,636/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $19,632/year.

Median household income is $63,749/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Abilene or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Cambridge?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,636/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Cambridge?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $63,749/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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