Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Richmond is 38% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,314/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 16%
$62,671/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$62,720/yr ≈ Same
$328,100 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 45%
$1,374/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 19%
227,595
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $49/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Abilene — common questions

Is Richmond or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Abilene?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Abilene?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $49/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Abilene

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland