Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Murrieta, CA (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Abilene is 104% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,106/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 111%
$62,720/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 75%
$178,900 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 239%
$1,114/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 114%
127,130
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,224/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $14,688/year.

Median household income is $47,060/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Abilene or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Murrieta?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,224/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Murrieta?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $47,060/year higher in Murrieta.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Murrieta details →