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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Plano is 21% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,792/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 22%
$108,649/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 12%
$440,600 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 37%
$1,829/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 22%
287,339
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $388/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $4,656/year.

Median household income is $13,580/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Plano or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $388/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $13,580/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Plano details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Elk Grove

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem