Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Richmond, CA (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Richmond

California
161

Abilene is 90% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,106/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 71%
$62,720/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 44%
$178,900 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 263%
$1,114/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 81%
127,130
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $789/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $9,468/year.

Median household income is $27,318/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Richmond — common questions

Is Abilene or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Richmond?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $789/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Richmond?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $27,318/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Richmond details →