Is Abilene, TX cheaper than McAllen, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Abilene, TX is 4.2% cheaper than McAllen, TX. This translates to saving $314 per month.

What salary do I need in Abilene, TX to live like I do in McAllen, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in McAllen, TX, you'd need approximately $146,226.679 in Abilene, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between McAllen, TX and Abilene, TX?

Housing in Abilene, TX is 2.7% cheaper than in McAllen, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $993/month in Abilene, TX compared to $1,408/month in McAllen, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from McAllen, TX to Abilene, TX?

Moving from McAllen, TX to Abilene, TX could save you approximately $314 per month, or $3773 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

McAllen, TX vs Abilene, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in McAllen, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $314/month moving to Abilene, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.2K in Abilene, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$314

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.8K

Per year

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

McAllen, TX

Population:147K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$191K

Abilene, TX

Population:129K

Cost Index:

(4% below avg)

Median Home:$195K

McAllen, TX

The Lone Star State

147K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 147K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Abilene, TX

The Lone Star State

129K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

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

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: McAllen, TX vs Abilene, TX

Category	McAllen, TX	Abilene, TX	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,457/mo	$1,191/mo	↓ $267less	18.3%
Other	$1,767/mo	$1,599/mo	↓ $168less	9.5%
Groceries	$969/mo	$885/mo	↓ $83.56less	8.6%
Housing	$1,917/mo	$1,865/mo	↓ $52.30less	2.7%
Healthcare	$535/mo	$585/mo	↑ $50.00more	9.4%
All Utilities	$524/mo	$526/mo	↑ $2.22more	0.4%

Transportation

↓ 18.3%

McAllen, TX

$1,457

Abilene, TX

$1,191

Difference

$267

less

Other

↓ 9.5%

McAllen, TX

$1,767

Abilene, TX

$1,599

Difference

$168

less

Groceries

↓ 8.6%

McAllen, TX

$969

Abilene, TX

$885

Difference

$83.56

less

Housing

↓ 2.7%

McAllen, TX

$1,917

Abilene, TX

$1,865

Difference

$52.30

less

Healthcare

↑ 9.4%

McAllen, TX

$535

Abilene, TX

$585

Difference

$50.00

All Utilities

↑ 0.4%

McAllen, TX

$524

Abilene, TX

$526

Difference

$2.22

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,112

To$788

↓ $324

1 Bed

From$1,124

To$796

↓ $328

2 Bed

From$1,408

To$993

↓ $415

3 Bed

From$1,827

To$1,285

↓ $542

McAllen, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$1,050/mo

Abilene, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,090/mo

💡 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.

$7,169

Monthly in McAllen, TX

$6,651

Monthly in Abilene, TX

$519

Difference

Home Values

McAllen

Abilene

$191K

Median Value

$195K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +37.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.4%

$178K - $260K

Price Range

$130K - $285K

Homes in Abilene are 2% more expensive than McAllen

Calculate payment - McAllen Calculate payment - Abilene

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

McAllen, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Abilene, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

McAllen, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Abilene, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.