Abilene, KS vs Sterling, KS

Sterling is moderately more affordable than Abilene, with a 9.3% lower cost of living index. Abilene scores 66 compared to 61 for Sterling, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Abilene can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Abilene is $788/month compared to $618/month in Sterling — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sterling is more affordable at $130,200 median vs $136,000.

Median household income in Abilene is $56,592 compared to $51,304 in Sterling (+10.3%). While Abilene is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Abilene spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, more than the 14.5% in Sterling.