Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Amarillo and Abilene have a similar cost of living.

$1,049/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 5%
$62,469/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$62,720/yr ≈ Same
$186,800 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 4%
$1,074/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 4%
200,945
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $57/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $684/year.

Median household income is $251/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Abilene — common questions

Is Amarillo or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Abilene?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $57/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Abilene?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $251/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Amarillo or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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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