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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Los Angeles is 163% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,879/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 41%
$80,366/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 22%
$879,500 ↑ 392%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 80%
$2,055/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 46%
3,857,897
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $773/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $9,276/year.

Median household income is $17,646/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Abilene — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Abilene?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $773/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Abilene?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $17,646/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Abilene

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