Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Lubbock is 6% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,137/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 3%
$60,487/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 4%
$197,900 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 10%
$1,179/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 6%
261,078
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,233/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Abilene — common questions

Is Lubbock or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Abilene?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Abilene?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $2,233/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/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 Lubbock details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

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