Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Abilene is 10% cheaper than Hartford.

$1,106/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 10%
$62,720/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 28%
$178,900 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$217,200 ↑ 21%
$1,114/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↑ 15%
127,130
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.35%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $17,420/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Hartford — common questions

Is Abilene or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Hartford?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Hartford?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $17,420/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Connecticut?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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