Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Aurora is 83% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,759/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 37%
$84,320/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 26%
$444,500 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 60%
$1,762/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 37%
390,201
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $653/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $7,836/year.

Median household income is $21,600/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Abilene — common questions

Is Aurora or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Abilene?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $653/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Abilene?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $21,600/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Abilene

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