Cost of Living: Irvine, CA vs Plano, TX (2026)

Irvine

California
256
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Irvine is 94% more expensive than Plano.

$2,893/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 38%
$129,647/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↓ 16%
$1,115,400 ↑ 153%
Home Value
$440,600 ↓ 60%
$2,904/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↓ 37%
308,160
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,101/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $13,212/year.

Median household income is $20,998/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Plano — common questions

Is Irvine or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Plano?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $1,101/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Plano?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $20,998/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Irvine or Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Plano details →

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