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

Midland

Texas
99
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Midland is 39% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,407/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 21%
$91,169/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 31%
$298,600 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 40%
$1,468/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 24%
133,998
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Midland, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $28,449/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Midland is $298,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Midland vs Abilene — common questions

Is Midland or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Midland and Abilene?
Median rent in Midland is $1,407/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Midland or Abilene?
Median household income is $91,169 in Midland and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $28,449/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Midland has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,407/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 Midland details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Midland and Abilene

Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland