MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Abilene, TX โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Fort Worth, TX area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $759/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.1K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 10.1%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$759
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$9.1K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Abilene, TX

Population:129K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$195K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:110
Median Home:$512K

Abilene, TX

The Lone Star State

129K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 129K residents.

๐Ÿ’ก Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขResearch Triangle
  • โ€ขState capital
  • โ€ขMajor university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Abilene, TX vs Raleigh, NC

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 32.4%
Abilene, TX
$1,865
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$604
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 6.8%
Abilene, TX
$1,599
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$109
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 7.8%
Abilene, TX
$1,191
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$93.43
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 8.4%
Abilene, TX
$885
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$74.05
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 3.8%
Abilene, TX
$526
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$20.25
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 2.8%
Abilene, TX
$585
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$16.31
more

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$788
To$1,570
โ†‘ $782
1 Bed
From$796
To$1,640
โ†‘ $844
2 Bed
From$993
To$1,800
โ†‘ $807
3 Bed
From$1,285
To$2,255
โ†‘ $970
Abilene, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $900โ€“$1,090/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400โ€“$1,880/mo

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,651
Monthly in Abilene, TX
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$916
Difference

Home Values

Abilene
Raleigh
$195K
Median Value
$512K
โ†‘ +2.8%
YoY Change
โ†“ -0.5%
โ†‘ +30.4%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +38.2%
$130K - $285K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 162% more expensive than Abilene

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†“ $7.1K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$594
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
4.7%
Rate difference

Abilene, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Abilene, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Abilene
Raleigh
54 Moderate
Air Quality
46 Good
35.5%
Good Air Days
61.7%
99 High
Climate Risk
96 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
โ–ฒ+2.7ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
94 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
31 days
โ–ฒ+2.7ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
94 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
31 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Texas and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Abilene, TX on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Raleigh, NC

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison