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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Tucson is 7% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,079/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 3%
$54,546/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 15%
$242,200 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 26%
$1,076/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 4%
543,348
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,174/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 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

Tucson vs Abilene — common questions

Is Tucson or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Abilene?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Abilene?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $8,174/year higher in Abilene.
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 Tucson or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

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