Santa Ana, CA vs Abilene, TX: 163 vs 71

$1,975/mo ↑ 79%

Median Rent

$1,106/mo ↓ 44%

$88,354/yr ↑ 41%

Median Income

$62,720/yr ↓ 29%

$657,800 ↑ 268%

Home Value

$178,900 ↓ 73%

$1,965/mo ↑ 76%

Owner Costs

$1,114/mo ↓ 43%

311,639

Population

127,130

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $869/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $10,428/year.

Median household income is $25,634/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Abilene — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Abilene cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Abilene?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $869/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Abilene?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $25,634/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Abilene?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Santa Ana

Abilene

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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