Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Boston is 148% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,093/mo ↑ 89%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 47%
$94,755/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 34%
$710,400 ↑ 297%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 75%
$2,176/mo ↑ 95%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 49%
663,972
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $987/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $11,844/year.

Median household income is $32,035/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Abilene — common questions

Is Boston or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Abilene?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $987/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Abilene?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $32,035/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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More Comparisons

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