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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Arlington is 186% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,275/mo ↑ 106%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 51%
$140,160/yr ↑ 123%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 55%
$864,800 ↑ 383%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 79%
$2,414/mo ↑ 117%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 54%
235,463
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,169/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $14,028/year.

Median household income is $77,440/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 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

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Abilene?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $1,169/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Abilene?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $77,440/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland