Abilene, TX vs Galveston, TX

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Abilene is 18.3% cheaper than Galveston. With a cost index of 80 vs 98, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Abilene to Galveston should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month compared to $1,278/month in Galveston — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Abilene is more affordable at $178,900 median vs $294,300.

Median household income in Abilene is $62,720 compared to $57,216 in Galveston (+9.6%). Abilene offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Abilene spend roughly 21.2% of their income on rent, less than the 26.8% in Galveston.