Cost of Living: Oakland, CA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Oakland

California
195
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Oakland is 175% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,917/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 42%
$97,369/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 36%
$924,700 ↑ 417%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 81%
$2,164/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 49%
438,072
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $811/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $9,732/year.

Median household income is $34,649/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Abilene — common questions

Is Oakland or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Abilene?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $811/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Abilene?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $34,649/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Abilene

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