Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Abilene is 13% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,106/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 17%
$62,720/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 3%
$178,900 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 28%
$1,114/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 3%
127,130
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $1,773/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Abilene or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Lakeland?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Lakeland?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $1,773/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Abilene and Lakeland

Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon