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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Fremont is 292% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,905/mo ↑ 163%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 62%
$176,350/yr ↑ 181%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 64%
$1,289,400 ↑ 621%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 86%
$3,000/mo ↑ 169%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 63%
228,518
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,799/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $21,588/year.

Median household income is $113,630/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 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

Fremont vs Abilene — common questions

Is Fremont or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Abilene?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $1,799/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Abilene?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $113,630/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Abilene

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland