Cost of Living: Visalia, CA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Visalia

California
104
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Visalia is 46% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,397/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 21%
$79,952/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 22%
$340,600 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 47%
$1,509/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 26%
142,649
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Visalia, CA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $17,232/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Visalia is $340,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visalia vs Abilene — common questions

Is Visalia or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Visalia and Abilene?
Median rent in Visalia is $1,397/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Visalia or Abilene?
Median household income is $79,952 in Visalia and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $17,232/year higher in Visalia.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Visalia or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Visalia has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,397/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 Visalia details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Visalia and Abilene

Visalia vs. Thornton Visalia vs. Waco Visalia vs. Torrance Visalia vs. Fullerton Visalia vs. Gainesville Visalia vs. Metairie Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland