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

Orange

California
206
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Orange is 190% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,252/mo ↑ 104%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 51%
$116,945/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 46%
$900,700 ↑ 403%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 80%
$2,394/mo ↑ 115%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 53%
138,723
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,146/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $13,752/year.

Median household income is $54,225/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 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

Orange vs Abilene — common questions

Is Orange or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Abilene?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $1,146/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Abilene?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $54,225/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Abilene

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland