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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Sacramento is 86% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,694/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 35%
$83,753/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 25%
$484,600 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 63%
$1,752/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 36%
524,802
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $21,033/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Abilene — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 Sacramento and Abilene?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Abilene?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $21,033/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Abilene

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland