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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Palmdale is 83% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,736/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 36%
$81,151/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 23%
$435,300 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 59%
$1,831/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 39%
165,487
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $630/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $7,560/year.

Median household income is $18,431/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 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

Palmdale vs Abilene — common questions

Is Palmdale or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Abilene?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $630/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Abilene?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $18,431/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and Abilene

Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland