2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Hickory, NC vs Abilene, TX

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Abilene or is it cheaper to live in Hickory?
- Abilene is 9.9% less expensive than Hickory.

Which city has more affordable housing, Abilene or Hickory?
- Abilene housing costs are 24.7% less expensive than Hickory housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Hickory or is Health Care more affordable in Abilene.
- Health related expenses are 8.4% less in Abilene.
 Hickory, NCAbilene, TXUnited States
 Overall  Unlock80.2100
 Food & Groceries95.6  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock116.6100
 Housing70.9  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$173,400$338,100
 Utilities97  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock68.5100
 Miscellaneous94.8  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Hickory    8 Reviews

Over 3 years ago

Hickory is has wonderful amenities such as the science museum, children's museum, aquarium, art museum, symphony orchestra, and great universities. Its not far from  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

Hickory is a nice place to live. There are great parks here. Glen Hilton is a beautiful park with lots of play structures and tall trees nice elevated walking path.  More

   |    Reply

Cons, No ethnic diversity"... How is that a "Con"? That means it has a rich traditional culture, where most people share a interest in the same  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Hickory

Reviews for Abilene    17 Reviews

I've lived in 9 states, traveled over much of the U.S., and Abilene TEXAS is by far the best city I've ever lived. I find it beautiful here, love the climate and low  More

   |    Reply

Over 6 years ago

We moved to Abilene for a military assignment and have never got out of here. We stayed initially for children and grandchildren then elderly parents. Now we can't  More

   |    Reply

I've lived in Abilene for the last 45 years and It's the best place to raise a family. Great churches, schools, jobs and sense of community. There is always something  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Abilene


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.