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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Surprise is 77% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,917/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 42%
$93,371/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 33%
$396,000 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 55%
$1,587/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 30%
149,519
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $811/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $9,732/year.

Median household income is $30,651/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 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

Surprise vs Abilene — common questions

Is Surprise or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Abilene?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $811/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Abilene?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $30,651/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Abilene

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland