Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Elk Grove is 137% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,180/mo ↑ 97%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 49%
$122,229/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 49%
$603,400 ↑ 237%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 70%
$2,227/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 50%
177,221
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,074/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $12,888/year.

Median household income is $59,509/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Abilene — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Abilene?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $1,074/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Abilene?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $59,509/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Abilene

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland