Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Plano, TX (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Phoenix is 17% cheaper than Plano.

$1,458/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 23%
$77,041/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 41%
$381,900 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 15%
$1,430/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 28%
1,624,832
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $31,608/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Plano — common questions

Is Phoenix or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Plano?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Plano?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $31,608/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Texas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Plano details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Plano

Phoenix vs. Houston Phoenix vs. Philadelphia Phoenix vs. Chicago Phoenix vs. San Antonio Phoenix vs. Los Angeles Phoenix vs. San Diego Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison