Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Abilene is 68% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,106/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 62%
$62,720/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 125%
$178,900 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 168%
$1,114/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 80%
127,130
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $686/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $8,232/year.

Median household income is $78,633/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Abilene or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $686/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $78,633/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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