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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Plano is 86% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,792/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 38%
$108,649/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 42%
$440,600 ↑ 146%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 59%
$1,829/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 39%
287,339
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $686/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $8,232/year.

Median household income is $45,929/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Abilene — common questions

Is Plano or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Abilene?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $686/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Abilene?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $45,929/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Abilene

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