Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Abilene is 5% cheaper than Waterbury.

$1,106/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 7%
$62,720/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 18%
$178,900 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$185,400 ↑ 4%
$1,114/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 14%
127,130
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.35%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $11,078/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Abilene or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Waterbury?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Waterbury?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $11,078/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Connecticut?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Waterbury details →