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

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Abilene is 84% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,106/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 82%
$62,720/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 43%
$178,900 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 212%
$1,114/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 85%
127,130
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $907/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $10,884/year.

Median household income is $26,776/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Abilene or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Vallejo?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $907/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Vallejo?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $26,776/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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