Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Gilbert is 108% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,028/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 45%
$121,351/yr ↑ 93%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 48%
$518,600 ↑ 190%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 66%
$1,908/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 42%
271,118
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $922/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $11,064/year.

Median household income is $58,631/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Abilene — common questions

Is Gilbert or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Abilene?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $922/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Abilene?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $58,631/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Abilene

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland