Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Anchorage is 59% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,453/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 24%
$98,152/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 36%
$375,900 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 52%
$1,698/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 34%
289,069
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $35,432/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Abilene — common questions

Is Anchorage or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Abilene?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Abilene?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $35,432/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Texas?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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.
View Anchorage details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Abilene

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland