Kansas City, MO vs Abilene, TX: 80 vs 71

$1,186/mo ↑ 7%

Median Rent

$1,106/mo ↓ 7%

$67,449/yr ↑ 8%

Median Income

$62,720/yr ↓ 7%

$227,000 ↑ 27%

Home Value

$178,900 ↓ 21%

$1,205/mo ↑ 8%

Owner Costs

$1,114/mo ↓ 8%

508,233

Population

127,130

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $80/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $960/year.

Median household income is $4,729/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Abilene — common questions

Is Kansas City or Abilene cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Abilene?

Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $80/month.

Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Abilene?

Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $4,729/year higher in Kansas City.

How do taxes compare between Missouri and Texas?

Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 80 with median rent of $1,186/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.

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

Kansas City

Abilene

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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