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

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Abilene is 22% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,106/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 34%
$62,720/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 8%
$178,900 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 39%
$1,114/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 8%
127,130
Population
125,273

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
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $4,801/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Abilene or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $4,801/year higher in Palm Bay.
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 Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Abilene and Palm Bay

Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock