Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs College Station, TX (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Plano is 45% more expensive than College Station.

$1,792/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 35%
$108,649/yr ↑ 110%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 52%
$440,600 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 26%
$1,829/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 32%
287,339
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $624/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $7,488/year.

Median household income is $56,873/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs College Station — common questions

Is Plano or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and College Station?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $624/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or College Station?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $56,873/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Plano details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

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