Santa Rosa, CA vs Abilene, TX: 172 vs 71

$2,084/mo ↑ 88%

Median Rent

$1,106/mo ↓ 47%

$97,410/yr ↑ 55%

Median Income

$62,720/yr ↓ 36%

$685,000 ↑ 283%

Home Value

$178,900 ↓ 74%

$2,130/mo ↑ 91%

Owner Costs

$1,114/mo ↓ 48%

177,216

Population

127,130

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $978/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $11,736/year.

Median household income is $34,690/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 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 Rosa vs Abilene — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Abilene cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Abilene?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $978/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Abilene?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $34,690/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa or Abilene?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa, CA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Santa Rosa

Abilene

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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