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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

San Diego is 177% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,223/mo ↑ 101%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 50%
$104,321/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 40%
$848,500 ↑ 374%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 79%
$2,308/mo ↑ 107%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 52%
1,385,061
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,117/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $13,404/year.

Median household income is $41,601/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 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

San Diego vs Abilene — common questions

Is San Diego or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Abilene?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $1,117/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Abilene?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $41,601/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Abilene

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland