Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Independence, MO (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Abilene is 6% more expensive than Independence.

$1,106/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 4%
$62,720/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 5%
$178,900 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 7%
$1,114/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 6%
127,130
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,240/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Independence — common questions

Is Abilene or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Independence?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Independence?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $3,240/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Missouri?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

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