Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Baltimore is 18% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,290/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 14%
$59,623/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 5%
$219,300 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 18%
$1,333/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 16%
577,193
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $3,097/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Maryland's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Abilene — common questions

Is Baltimore or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Abilene?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Abilene?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $3,097/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Texas?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Abilene details →

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