Direct Answer
Abilene, TX has a CostOfCity index of 82, which is 18% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $1,157/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,441/month.
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Cost of Living in Abilene: The Full Picture
Abilene: 125,000 people, a cost index of 82, and a local economy powered by a value-oriented market where your dollar stretches further than in most American cities. That combination produces a cost-of-living profile that's 18% below the national average. The breakdown below spans 62 categories across 6 sectors — home services, startup costs, daily living, insurance, legal fees, and salaries.
Abilene has a developing economy where lower costs attract first-time business owners and remote workers
The housing market features one of America's more affordable housing markets, where homeownership is within reach for most working families
Heat, humidity, heavy rain, and storm seasons create maintenance pressure that keeps cooling, drainage, and exterior upkeep costs elevated.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Big houses, bigger trucks, and a cost of living that leaves room for weekend road trips and backyard cookouts..
Abilene is among the most affordable cities in the US, with a cost index of just 82. Your money stretches 18% further than the national average across virtually every spending category.
💰 Purchasing Power in Abilene
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Abilene, your dollar buys 22% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Abilene Costs More
🔽 Where Abilene Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Abilene
What it actually costs to live in Abilene each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Abilene's cost index of 82 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Within Abilene, costs can vary by 25-40% depending on the neighborhood. Downtown and waterfront areas typically command the highest premiums, while suburbs provide genuine savings, often 15-20% below the metro average.
Abilene vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Abilene
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-18%HVAC Installation
-9%Plumbing Services
-22%Electrical Work
-26%Kitchen Remodel
-26%Bathroom Remodel
-36%House Painting
-37%Flooring Installation
-17%Landscaping
-12%Fence Installation
-44%Window Replacement
-45%Solar Panel Installation
-20%Water Heater Replacement
-39%Deck Building
-20%Pool Installation
-38%Tree Removal
-35%Garage Door Repair
-37%💼 Business Startup Costs in Abilene
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-30%Start a Coffee Shop
-19%Start a Food Truck
-17%Start a Gym
-20%Start a Daycare
-35%Start a Hair Salon
-37%Start a Laundromat
-6%Start a Bakery
-8%Start a Bar
-39%Start a Cleaning Business
+13%Start an Airbnb
-21%Start a Trucking Business
-19%📊 Cost of Living in Abilene
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-14%Rent Prices
-18%Grocery Costs
-5%Utility Costs
-5%Transportation Costs
-10%Childcare Costs
-41%Gym Membership
-8%🛡️ Insurance in Abilene
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-21%Home Insurance
-13%Health Insurance
+14%Business Insurance
-23%Life Insurance
-26%Renters Insurance
-14%Pet Insurance
-18%Dental Insurance
+5%Motorcycle Insurance
-20%⚖️ Legal Services in Abilene
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
-23%Divorce Lawyer
-18%DUI Lawyer
-30%Immigration Lawyer
-43%Estate Planning Lawyer
-28%Workers Comp Lawyer
-25%Bankruptcy Lawyer
-20%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Abilene
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
-45%Registered Nurse Salary
-42%Teacher Salary
-16%Electrician Salary
-6%Plumber Salary
-19%Accountant Salary
-14%Physical Therapist Salary
-19%Police Officer Salary
-41%Dentist Salary
-13%Real Estate Agent Salary
-14%How Much Income Do You Need in Abilene?
✅ Best For
- First-time business owners
- Families prioritizing savings
- Anyone building an emergency fund
- Outdoor enthusiasts
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Workers in highly specialized tech roles
- Those seeking dense urban amenities
Before moving to Abilene, compare your target salary against local costs using our calculator. You may be pleasantly surprised by how far your income goes.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Abilene
What is the median household income in Abilene?
The median household income in Abilene is approximately $44,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 82), this goes further than in many US cities.
Is Abilene a good place to start a business?
Abilene's business environment is shaped by TX's regulatory framework and local commercial real estate costs. Below-average operating costs give businesses more runway to reach profitability. Check our business startup cost data for specific figures.
Is Abilene, TX expensive to live in?
Abilene's cost of living index is 82, which is 18% below the national average of 100. Abilene is one of the more affordable US cities.
Explore Abilene in Depth
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