Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Houston is 24% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,313/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 16%
$62,894/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$62,720/yr ≈ Same
$253,400 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 29%
$1,316/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 15%
2,300,419
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $207/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,484/year.

Median household income is $174/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Abilene — common questions

Is Houston or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Abilene?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $207/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Abilene?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $174/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Abilene

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