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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Irving is 44% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,517/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 27%
$79,641/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 21%
$287,300 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 38%
$1,521/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 27%
255,036
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $16,921/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Abilene — common questions

Is Irving or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Abilene?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Abilene?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $16,921/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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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