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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Riverside is 103% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,812/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 39%
$88,575/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 29%
$542,100 ↑ 203%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 67%
$1,880/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 41%
316,241
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $706/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $8,472/year.

Median household income is $25,855/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 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

Riverside vs Abilene — common questions

Is Riverside or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Abilene?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $706/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Abilene?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $25,855/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Abilene

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland