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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Houston is 33% cheaper than Plano.

$1,313/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 36%
$62,894/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 73%
$253,400 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 74%
$1,316/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 39%
2,300,419
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $479/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $5,748/year.

Median household income is $45,755/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Plano — common questions

Is Houston or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Plano?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $479/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Plano?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $45,755/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 Houston or Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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