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

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Denton is 41% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,344/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 18%
$73,719/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 15%
$325,700 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 45%
$1,461/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 24%
146,987
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denton, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $238/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,856/year.

Median household income is $10,999/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Abilene — common questions

Is Denton 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 Denton and Abilene?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $238/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Abilene?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $10,999/year higher in Denton.
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 Denton or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/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 Denton details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denton and Abilene

Denton vs. Savannah Denton vs. Syracuse Denton vs. Rockford Denton vs. McAllen Denton vs. Bridgeport Denton vs. Olathe Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland