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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Salinas

California
156

Plano is 15% cheaper than Salinas.

$1,792/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,923/mo ↑ 7%
$108,649/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$89,150/yr ↓ 18%
$440,600 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$610,900 ↑ 39%
$1,829/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,912/mo ↑ 5%
287,339
Population
161,993

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
25.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Salinas, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 156 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $19,499/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $610,900 in Salinas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Salinas — common questions

Is Plano or Salinas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Salinas?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Salinas it's $1,923/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Salinas?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $89,150 in Salinas. Median household income is $19,499/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 Salinas?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while Salinas has a cost index of 156 with rent of $1,923/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Plano details → View Salinas details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Salinas

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Salinas vs. Palmdale Salinas vs. Hayward Salinas vs. Springfield Salinas vs. Corona Salinas vs. Fort Collins Salinas vs. Paterson