Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Columbus is 17% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,224/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 10%
$65,327/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 4%
$234,500 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 24%
$1,243/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 10%
906,480
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $2,607/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Ohio's 3.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Abilene — common questions

Is Columbus or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Abilene?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Abilene?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $2,607/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Texas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Abilene

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland