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

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Abilene is 32% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,106/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 39%
$62,720/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 3%
$178,900 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 82%
$1,114/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 27%
127,130
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $1,720/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Abilene or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Clearwater?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $433/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Clearwater?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $1,720/year higher in Clearwater.
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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Abilene and Clearwater

Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville