Cost of Living: New Haven, CT vs Abilene, TX (2026)

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

New Haven is 34% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,442/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 23%
$53,771/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 17%
$249,000 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 28%
$1,520/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 27%
132,893
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
0%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $336/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $4,032/year.

Median household income is $8,949/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Connecticut's 6.99% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Abilene — common questions

Is New Haven or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Abilene?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $336/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Abilene?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $8,949/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and Texas?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/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 New Haven details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Haven and Abilene

New Haven vs. Sterling Heights New Haven vs. Carrollton New Haven vs. Coral Springs New Haven vs. Santa Clara New Haven vs. Midland New Haven vs. Fargo Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland