Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Abilene is 8% cheaper than Dearborn.

$1,106/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 14%
$62,720/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 4%
$178,900 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$205,900 ↑ 15%
$1,114/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 5%
127,130
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $2,472/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Abilene or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Dearborn?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $158/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Dearborn?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $2,472/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Dearborn details →