Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Chicago is 41% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,380/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 20%
$75,134/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 17%
$315,200 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 43%
$1,502/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 26%
2,707,648
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $12,414/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Abilene — common questions

Is Chicago or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Abilene?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Abilene?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $12,414/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Abilene

Chicago vs. Los Angeles Chicago vs. Houston Chicago vs. New York Chicago vs. Phoenix Chicago vs. Allen Chicago vs. Philadelphia Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland