Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Abilene is 40% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,106/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 55%
$62,720/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 10%
$178,900 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 107%
$1,114/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 50%
127,130
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $603/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $7,236/year.

Median household income is $6,541/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Abilene or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $603/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $6,541/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Florida?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Abilene and West Palm Beach

Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings