Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Abilene is 29% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,106/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 19%
$62,720/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 2%
$178,900 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 96%
$1,114/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 23%
127,130
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $205/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,460/year.

Median household income is $1,180/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Abilene or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Wilmington?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $205/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Wilmington?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $1,180/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Wilmington details →