Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Abilene is 64% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,106/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 75%
$62,720/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 119%
$178,900 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 127%
$1,114/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 77%
127,130
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $833/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $9,996/year.

Median household income is $74,791/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Abilene or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $833/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $74,791/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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