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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

San Jose is 258% more expensive than Abilene.

$2,617/mo ↑ 137%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 58%
$141,565/yr ↑ 126%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 56%
$1,187,800 ↑ 564%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 85%
$2,775/mo ↑ 149%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 60%
990,054
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,511/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $18,132/year.

Median household income is $78,845/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs Abilene — common questions

Is San Jose or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Abilene?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $1,511/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Abilene?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $78,845/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Jose and Abilene

San Jose vs. Dallas San Jose vs. Austin San Jose vs. San Diego San Jose vs. Jacksonville San Jose vs. San Antonio San Jose vs. Fort Worth Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland