Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Indianapolis is 4% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,112/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ≈ Same
$62,995/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$62,720/yr ≈ Same
$207,000 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 14%
$1,124/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ≈ Same
882,043
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $275/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Abilene — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Abilene?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Abilene?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $275/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Texas?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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.
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More Comparisons

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