Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Abilene is 6% cheaper than Lafayette.

$1,106/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 4%
$62,720/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 2%
$178,900 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 40%
$1,114/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 5%
127,130
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,266/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Abilene or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Lafayette?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Lafayette?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $1,266/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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