Cost of Living: Pasadena, TX vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Pasadena is 7% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,201/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 8%
$64,270/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 2%
$193,600 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 8%
$1,141/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 2%
149,345
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $1,550/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Abilene — common questions

Is Pasadena or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Abilene?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Abilene?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $1,550/year higher in Pasadena.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Pasadena or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/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 Pasadena details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pasadena and Abilene

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