Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Lancaster is 75% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,696/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 35%
$76,083/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 18%
$409,100 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 56%
$1,746/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 36%
170,013
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $590/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $7,080/year.

Median household income is $13,363/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Abilene — common questions

Is Lancaster or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Abilene?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $590/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Abilene?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $13,363/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Abilene

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland