Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Plano is 13% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,792/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ≈ Same
$108,649/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 4%
$440,600 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 36%
$1,829/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 7%
287,339
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,747/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Colorado's 4.4% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Arvada — common questions

Is Plano or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Arvada?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Arvada?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $4,747/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Colorado?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Plano details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

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