Abilene, TX vs Garland, TX

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Abilene is 22.1% cheaper than Garland. With a cost index of 80 vs 103, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Abilene to Garland should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month compared to $1,525/month in Garland — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Abilene is more affordable at $178,900 median vs $248,900.

Median household income in Abilene is $62,720 compared to $74,717 in Garland (-16.1%). The higher salaries in Garland 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, less than the 24.5% in Garland.