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

Salinas

California
156
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Salinas is 120% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,923/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 42%
$89,150/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 30%
$610,900 ↑ 241%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 71%
$1,912/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 42%
161,993
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salinas, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 156 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $817/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $9,804/year.

Median household income is $26,430/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salinas is $610,900 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

Salinas vs Abilene — common questions

Is Salinas or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salinas and Abilene?
Median rent in Salinas is $1,923/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $817/month.
Which city has higher income, Salinas or Abilene?
Median household income is $89,150 in Salinas and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $26,430/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Salinas has a cost index of 156 with median rent of $1,923/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 Salinas details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salinas and Abilene

Salinas vs. Palmdale Salinas vs. Hayward Salinas vs. Springfield Salinas vs. Corona Salinas vs. Fort Collins Salinas vs. Paterson Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland