Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Virginia Beach is 65% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,649/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 33%
$90,685/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 31%
$366,300 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 51%
$1,704/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 35%
457,066
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $543/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $6,516/year.

Median household income is $27,965/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Abilene — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Abilene?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $543/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Abilene?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $27,965/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Abilene

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