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

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Abilene is 57% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,106/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 98%
$62,720/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 63%
$178,900 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 231%
$1,114/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 100%
127,130
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,085/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $13,020/year.

Median household income is $39,601/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Abilene or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Fairfield?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,085/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Fairfield?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $39,601/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Abilene and Fairfield

Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill