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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Tempe is 69% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,623/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 32%
$77,643/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 19%
$421,900 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 58%
$1,554/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 28%
186,419
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $517/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $6,204/year.

Median household income is $14,923/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 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

Tempe vs Abilene — common questions

Is Tempe or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Abilene?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $517/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Abilene?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $14,923/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Abilene

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland