Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Provo, UT (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Abilene is 31% cheaper than Provo.

$1,106/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↑ 4%
$62,720/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$62,800/yr ≈ Same
$178,900 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 144%
$1,114/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↑ 10%
127,130
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.1%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $80/year higher in Provo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Provo — common questions

Is Abilene or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Provo?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Provo?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $80/year higher in Provo.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Utah?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Provo details →