Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Abilene is 10% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,106/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 15%
$62,720/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 4%
$178,900 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 13%
$1,114/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 13%
127,130
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $161/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,932/year.

Median household income is $2,817/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Springfield — common questions

Is Abilene or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Springfield?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $161/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Springfield?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $2,817/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Springfield details →