Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Kansas City is 8% cheaper than Abilene.

$1,073/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 3%
$59,183/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 6%
$147,100 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$178,900 ↑ 22%
$1,054/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 6%
154,776
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,537/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas City's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Abilene — common questions

Is Kansas City or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Abilene?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $33/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Abilene?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $3,537/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Texas?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kansas City and Abilene

Kansas City vs. Killeen Kansas City vs. Springfield Kansas City vs. Lakewood Kansas City vs. Sunnyvale Kansas City vs. Macon Kansas City vs. Hollywood Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland