Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Plano, TX (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Boston is 33% more expensive than Plano.

$2,093/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 14%
$94,755/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 15%
$710,400 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$440,600 ↓ 38%
$2,176/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↓ 16%
663,972
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $13,894/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Plano — common questions

Is Boston or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Plano?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Plano?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $13,894/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Texas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
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