Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Alexandria is 102% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,031/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 46%
$113,638/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 45%
$696,800 ↑ 289%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 74%
$2,173/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 49%
156,788
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $925/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $11,100/year.

Median household income is $50,918/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Abilene — common questions

Is Alexandria or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Abilene?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $925/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Abilene?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $50,918/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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