Cost of Living: San Antonio, TX vs Abilene, TX (2026)

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

San Antonio is 15% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,258/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 12%
$62,917/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$62,720/yr ≈ Same
$219,700 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 19%
$1,235/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 10%
1,458,954
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $197/year higher in San Antonio. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Abilene — common questions

Is San Antonio or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Abilene?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Abilene?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $197/year higher in San Antonio.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to San Antonio or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/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 San Antonio details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Antonio and Abilene

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