Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Scottsdale is 132% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,910/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 42%
$107,372/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 42%
$709,900 ↑ 297%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 75%
$1,824/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 39%
242,169
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $804/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $9,648/year.

Median household income is $44,652/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Abilene — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Abilene?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $804/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Abilene?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $44,652/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Abilene

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland