Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Bellevue is 252% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,505/mo ↑ 126%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 56%
$161,300/yr ↑ 157%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 61%
$1,203,100 ↑ 572%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 85%
$2,586/mo ↑ 132%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 57%
151,199
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,399/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $16,788/year.

Median household income is $98,580/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Abilene — common questions

Is Bellevue or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Abilene?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $1,399/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Abilene?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $98,580/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Abilene

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland