Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Worcester is 46% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,415/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 22%
$67,544/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 7%
$339,500 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 47%
$1,521/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 27%
205,501
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $309/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $3,708/year.

Median household income is $4,824/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Abilene — common questions

Is Worcester 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 Worcester and Abilene?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $309/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Abilene?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $4,824/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Abilene

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland