Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Memphis is 4% cheaper than Abilene.

$1,123/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 2%
$51,211/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 22%
$157,100 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$178,900 ↑ 14%
$1,087/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 2%
629,063
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,509/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Abilene — common questions

Is Memphis or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Abilene?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $17/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Abilene?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $11,509/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Texas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Abilene details →

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