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

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Abilene is 182% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,106/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 142%
$62,720/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 122%
$178,900 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 547%
$1,114/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 151%
127,130
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,572/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $18,864/year.

Median household income is $76,606/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Abilene or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,572/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $76,606/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Carlsbad details →