Abilene, TX vs Laredo, TX

Abilene, TX and Laredo, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.8% difference in their overall index. Abilene scores 80 while Laredo scores 76 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month compared to $1,001/month in Laredo — a 11% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Laredo has cheaper rent, Abilene actually has lower median home values ($178,900 vs $182,400).

Median household income in Abilene is $62,720 compared to $63,264 in Laredo (-0.9%). Laredo 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, more than the 19% in Laredo.