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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Nashville is 55% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,486/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 26%
$75,197/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 17%
$383,100 ↑ 114%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 53%
$1,471/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 24%
684,298
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $12,477/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Abilene — common questions

Is Nashville or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Abilene?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Abilene?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $12,477/year higher in Nashville.
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 Nashville or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Nashville and Abilene

Nashville vs. Oklahoma City Nashville vs. El Paso Nashville vs. Denver Nashville vs. Washington Nashville vs. Seattle Nashville vs. Boston Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland