Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Abilene is 14% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,106/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 20%
$62,720/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 16%
$178,900 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 16%
$1,114/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 12%
127,130
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $10,310/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Odessa — common questions

Is Abilene or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Odessa?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Odessa?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $10,310/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Abilene and Odessa

Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham