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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Dallas is 37% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,403/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 21%
$67,760/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 7%
$295,300 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 39%
$1,409/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 21%
1,299,553
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $5,040/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Abilene — common questions

Is Dallas or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Abilene?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Abilene?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $5,040/year higher in Dallas.
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 Dallas or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Abilene details →

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