Average Rent in Abilene, TX↑ Rents rising 8.1% YoY🔺 22nd priciest in TX

Abilene, TX has rental prices ranging from $944/month to $1,899/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $950/month — 32% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $66,464/year, spending $950/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Abilene Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,207/month, Abilene ranks #22 most expensive of the 220 cities tracked in Texas — pricier than 82% of all US cities in our data.

The Abilene Rental Market

The Abilene, TX area has a population of about 178,244 and 37% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Abilene, TX have risen by $90/month (8.1%) over the past year, from $1,117 to $1,207. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Abilene, TX without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $38,000. The local median household income of $66,464 exceeds that threshold by $28,464, making Abilene relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Abilene, TX is $219,057, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 15.1. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 15 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Abilene's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are North College ($109,552 median home value), Original Town ($115,507 median home value), Cobb Park ($117,327 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Abilene, TX Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Abilene?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Abilene

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.