Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Seattle is 176% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,998/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 45%
$121,984/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 49%
$912,100 ↑ 410%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 80%
$2,220/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 50%
741,440
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $892/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $10,704/year.

Median household income is $59,264/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Abilene — common questions

Is Seattle or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Abilene?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $892/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Abilene?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $59,264/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Abilene

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