Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Elizabeth is 58% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,463/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 24%
$63,874/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 2%
$393,500 ↑ 120%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 55%
$1,543/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 28%
135,887
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $1,154/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Abilene — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Abilene?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Abilene?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $1,154/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Abilene

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland