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

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Ventura

California
183

Abilene is 112% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,106/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 90%
$62,720/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 60%
$178,900 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 335%
$1,114/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 90%
127,130
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $995/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $11,940/year.

Median household income is $37,687/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Ventura — common questions

Is Abilene or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Ventura?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $995/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Ventura?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $37,687/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Ventura details →