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

Carrollton

Texas
116
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Carrollton is 63% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,674/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 34%
$99,115/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 37%
$353,600 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 49%
$1,689/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 34%
132,741
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carrollton, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 116 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $568/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $6,816/year.

Median household income is $36,395/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carrollton is $353,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrollton vs Abilene — common questions

Is Carrollton or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carrollton and Abilene?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,674/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $568/month.
Which city has higher income, Carrollton or Abilene?
Median household income is $99,115 in Carrollton and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $36,395/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with median rent of $1,674/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 Carrollton details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Carrollton and Abilene

Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland