Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Phoenix is 54% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,458/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 24%
$77,041/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 19%
$381,900 ↑ 113%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 53%
$1,430/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 22%
1,624,832
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $352/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $4,224/year.

Median household income is $14,321/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Abilene — common questions

Is Phoenix or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Abilene?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $352/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Abilene?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $14,321/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Abilene

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