Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Salt Lake City is 65% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,343/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 18%
$74,925/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 16%
$495,700 ↑ 177%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 64%
$1,394/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 20%
203,888
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
0%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $237/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,844/year.

Median household income is $12,205/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Utah's 4.65% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Abilene — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Abilene?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $237/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Abilene?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $12,205/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Texas?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Abilene

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