Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Lakewood is 99% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,746/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 37%
$85,789/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 27%
$548,200 ↑ 206%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 67%
$1,729/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 36%
156,309
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $640/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $7,680/year.

Median household income is $23,069/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Abilene — common questions

Is Lakewood or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Abilene?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $640/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Abilene?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $23,069/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Texas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Abilene

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