Cost of Living: Grand Rapids, MI vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Grand Rapids is 11% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,191/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 7%
$65,526/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 4%
$225,500 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 21%
$1,136/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 2%
197,768
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $2,806/year higher in Grand Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Abilene — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Rapids and Abilene?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Abilene?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $2,806/year higher in Grand Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Texas?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Grand Rapids or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/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 Grand Rapids details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Grand Rapids and Abilene

Grand Rapids vs. Montgomery Grand Rapids vs. Sioux Falls Grand Rapids vs. Grand Prairie Grand Rapids vs. Overland Park Grand Rapids vs. Sunrise Manor Grand Rapids vs. Huntington Beach Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland