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

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Abilene is 57% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,106/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 65%
$62,720/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 53%
$178,900 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 127%
$1,114/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 61%
127,130
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $719/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $8,628/year.

Median household income is $33,537/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Richardson — common questions

Is Abilene or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Richardson?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $719/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Richardson?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $33,537/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Richardson details →