Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Louisville is 4% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,069/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 3%
$64,731/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 3%
$221,500 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 19%
$1,118/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ≈ Same
627,210
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY 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 $2,011/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Kentucky's 4.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Abilene — common questions

Is Louisville 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 Louisville and Abilene?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Abilene?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $2,011/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Texas?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Louisville and Abilene

Louisville vs. Memphis Louisville vs. Baltimore Louisville vs. Detroit Louisville vs. Milwaukee Louisville vs. Portland Louisville vs. Albuquerque Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland