Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Mesa is 51% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,478/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 25%
$78,779/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 20%
$364,300 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 51%
$1,404/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 21%
507,478
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $16,059/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Abilene — common questions

Is Mesa or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Abilene?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Abilene?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $16,059/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% 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 Mesa or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Abilene

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland