Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Plano is 45% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,792/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 53%
$108,649/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 16%
$440,600 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 136%
$1,829/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 44%
287,339
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $950/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $11,400/year.

Median household income is $17,820/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Massachusetts's 9.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Plano or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Cambridge?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $950/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Cambridge?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $17,820/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Massachusetts?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Plano details → View Cambridge details →

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