Abilene, TX vs Bedford, TX

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Abilene is 24.4% cheaper than Bedford. With a cost index of 80 vs 106, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Abilene to Bedford should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month compared to $1,429/month in Bedford — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Abilene is more affordable at $178,900 median vs $322,300.

Median household income in Abilene is $62,720 compared to $81,393 in Bedford (-22.9%). The higher salaries in Bedford partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Abilene spend roughly 21.2% of their income on rent, more than the 21.1% in Bedford.