Cost of Living: Little Rock, AR vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Little Rock is 4% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,067/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 4%
$60,583/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 4%
$221,200 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 19%
$1,099/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 1%
202,739
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,137/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Abilene — common questions

Is Little Rock or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Abilene?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Abilene?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $2,137/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Texas?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/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 Little Rock details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

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