Abilene, TX, US
Frontier city with three universities, the Abilene Zoo, and the Paramount Theatre.
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Abilene vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 8.2%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $50,000
- Unemployment: 3.2%
- Population: 125,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 240/year
- Summer High: 94°F
- Winter Low: 34°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $200,000
- 1BR Rent: $950/mo
Cost of Living
Abilene's cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100).
| Category | Abilene | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $200,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $950/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,188/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $133 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Abilene:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $88 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $57 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $19 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $65 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $324 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Abilene scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Abilene has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54°F | 34°F | 2.5" |
| April | 79°F | 49°F | 2.8" |
| July | 94°F | 69°F | 1.5" |
| October | 74°F | 52°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Abilene faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.
Frequent drought conditions.
Frequent wildfire seasons.
Gulf Coast frequently affected by hurricanes.
Coastal flooding and flash floods.
Dust storms in western regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 8.25%
- Property Tax: ~1.8% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Abilene, TX, US?
The cost of living index in Abilene is 88, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Abilene?
The median home price in Abilene is $200,000. The housing index is 90.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Abilene is approximately $950/mo.
Does Abilene, TX have income tax?
Abilene is in TX, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Abilene?
Abilene enjoys approximately 240 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 94°F, while winter lows can drop to around 34°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.