Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Washington is 141% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,900/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 42%
$106,287/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 41%
$724,600 ↑ 305%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 75%
$2,103/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 47%
672,079
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $794/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $9,528/year.

Median household income is $43,567/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Abilene — common questions

Is Washington or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Abilene?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $794/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Abilene?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $43,567/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Texas?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Abilene

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland