Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Abilene is 13% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,106/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 12%
$62,720/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 17%
$178,900 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 33%
$1,114/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 12%
127,130
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $10,550/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Lansing — common questions

Is Abilene or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Lansing?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Lansing?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $10,550/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Lansing details →