Cost of Living: Waco, TX vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Waco and Abilene have a similar cost of living.

$1,098/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ≈ Same
$51,468/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 22%
$199,600 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 10%
$1,094/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 2%
141,925
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,252/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Abilene — common questions

Is Waco or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Abilene?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Abilene?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $11,252/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/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 Waco details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

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