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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

San Francisco is 276% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,419/mo ↑ 119%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 54%
$141,446/yr ↑ 126%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 56%
$1,380,500 ↑ 672%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 87%
$2,620/mo ↑ 135%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 57%
836,321
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,313/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $15,756/year.

Median household income is $78,726/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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 Francisco vs Abilene — common questions

Is San Francisco or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Abilene?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $1,313/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Abilene?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $78,726/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Francisco and Abilene

San Francisco vs. Indianapolis San Francisco vs. Seattle San Francisco vs. Charlotte San Francisco vs. Denver San Francisco vs. Columbus San Francisco vs. Oklahoma City Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland