Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Denver is 107% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,770/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 38%
$91,681/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 32%
$586,700 ↑ 228%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 70%
$1,839/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 39%
713,734
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $664/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $7,968/year.

Median household income is $28,961/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Abilene — common questions

Is Denver or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Abilene?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $664/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Abilene?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $28,961/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Abilene

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland