Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Atlanta is 72% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,617/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 32%
$81,938/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 23%
$420,600 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 57%
$1,695/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 34%
499,287
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $511/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $6,132/year.

Median household income is $19,218/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Abilene — common questions

Is Atlanta or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Abilene?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $511/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Abilene?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $19,218/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Texas?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Atlanta and Abilene

Atlanta vs. Mesa Atlanta vs. Omaha Atlanta vs. Kansas City Atlanta vs. Colorado Springs Atlanta vs. Sacramento Atlanta vs. Raleigh Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland