Is Abilene, TX cheaper than Waco, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Abilene, TX is 5.5% cheaper than Waco, TX. This translates to saving $409 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Waco, TX, you'd need approximately $145,086.913 in Abilene, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Abilene, TX is 4.3% cheaper than in Waco, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $993/month in Abilene, TX compared to $1,034/month in Waco, TX.

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

Moving from Waco, TX to Abilene, TX could save you approximately $409 per month, or $4913 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Waco, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $409/month moving to Abilene, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.1K in Abilene, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 5.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$409

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.9K

Per year

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

Waco, TX

Population:145K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$241K

Abilene, TX

Population:129K

Cost Index:

(5% below avg)

Median Home:$195K

Waco, TX

The Lone Star State

145K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 145K 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: Waco, TX vs Abilene, TX

Category	Waco, TX	Abilene, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,950/mo	$1,865/mo	↓ $84.75less	4.3%
Groceries	$970/mo	$885/mo	↓ $84.58less	8.7%
Transportation	$1,273/mo	$1,191/mo	↓ $82.15less	6.5%
Healthcare	$626/mo	$585/mo	↓ $41.19less	6.6%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$526/mo	↓ $31.21less	5.6%
Other	$1,576/mo	$1,599/mo	↑ $22.61more	1.4%

Housing

↓ 4.3%

Waco, TX

$1,950

Abilene, TX

$1,865

Difference

$84.75

less

Groceries

↓ 8.7%

Waco, TX

$970

Abilene, TX

$885

Difference

$84.58

less

Transportation

↓ 6.5%

Waco, TX

$1,273

Abilene, TX

$1,191

Difference

$82.15

less

Healthcare

↓ 6.6%

Waco, TX

$626

Abilene, TX

$585

Difference

$41.19

less

All Utilities

↓ 5.6%

Waco, TX

$557

Abilene, TX

$526

Difference

$31.21

less

Other

↑ 1.4%

Waco, TX

$1,576

Abilene, TX

$1,599

Difference

$22.61

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$709

To$788

↑ $79.00

1 Bed

From$834

To$796

↓ $38.00

2 Bed

From$1,034

To$993

↓ $41.00

3 Bed

From$1,334

To$1,285

↓ $49.00

Waco, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,160/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.

$6,952

Monthly in Waco, TX

$6,651

Monthly in Abilene, TX

$301

Difference

Home Values

Waco

Abilene

$241K

Median Value

$195K

↓ -1.1%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +32.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.4%

$137K - $296K

Price Range

$130K - $285K

Homes in Abilene are 19% less expensive than Waco

Calculate payment - Waco 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

Waco, 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

Waco, 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.