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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Arlington is 34% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,389/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 20%
$73,519/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 15%
$276,400 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 35%
$1,420/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 22%
394,769
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $283/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,396/year.

Median household income is $10,799/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Abilene — common questions

Is Arlington or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Abilene?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $283/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Abilene?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $10,799/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Abilene

Arlington vs. Wichita Arlington vs. Tampa Arlington vs. Bakersfield Arlington vs. Aurora Arlington vs. Tulsa Arlington vs. New Orleans Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland