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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Plano is 47% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,792/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 19%
$108,649/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$108,558/yr ≈ Same
$440,600 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 207%
$1,829/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 28%
287,339
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $91/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Plano or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Berkeley?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Berkeley?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $91/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Plano details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Berkeley

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach