Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Plano, TX (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Austin and Plano have a similar cost of living.

$1,655/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 8%
$91,461/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 19%
$512,700 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$440,600 ↓ 14%
$1,747/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 5%
967,862
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $17,188/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Plano — common questions

Is Austin or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Plano?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Plano?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $17,188/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Plano details →

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