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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Austin is 89% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,655/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 33%
$91,461/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 31%
$512,700 ↑ 187%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 65%
$1,747/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 36%
967,862
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $28,741/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Abilene — common questions

Is Austin or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Abilene?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Abilene?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $28,741/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Abilene details →

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