Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Tampa is 59% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,567/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 29%
$71,302/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 12%
$375,300 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 52%
$1,553/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 28%
393,389
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $461/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $5,532/year.

Median household income is $8,582/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Abilene — common questions

Is Tampa or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Abilene?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $461/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Abilene?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $8,582/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Texas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tampa and Abilene

Tampa vs. Arlington Tampa vs. Aurora Tampa vs. Wichita Tampa vs. New Orleans Tampa vs. Bakersfield Tampa vs. Cleveland Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland