Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Abilene

Texas

East Los Angeles

California

134

Abilene is 63% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,106/mo ↓ 23%

Median Rent

$1,431/mo ↑ 29%

$62,720/yr ↓ 8%

Median Income

$68,378/yr ↑ 9%

$178,900 ↓ 71%

Home Value

$613,600 ↑ 243%

$1,114/mo ↓ 24%

Owner Costs

$1,458/mo ↑ 31%

127,130

Population

114,617

Tax Comparison

Income Tax

13.3%

6.25%

Sales Tax

7.25%

1.6%

Property Tax

0.71%

Affordability

21.2%

rent-to-income

Affordability

25.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $5,658/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Abilene or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 134 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Abilene and East Los Angeles?

Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $325/month.

Which city has higher income, Abilene or East Los Angeles?

Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $5,658/year higher in East Los Angeles.

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 East Los Angeles?

It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.