Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Springfield is 11% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,114/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ≈ Same
$51,339/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 22%
$222,700 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 20%
$1,276/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 13%
154,751
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,381/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Abilene — common questions

Is Springfield or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Abilene?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Abilene?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $11,381/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Abilene

Springfield vs. Kansas City Springfield vs. Sunnyvale Springfield vs. Killeen Springfield vs. Hollywood Springfield vs. Lakewood Springfield vs. Roseville Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland