Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)
Abilene
Texas
71
VS
Palm Bay
Florida
91
Abilene is 20% 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%
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.