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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Plano is 57% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,792/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 67%
$108,649/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 60%
$440,600 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 247%
$1,829/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 67%
287,339
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,193/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $14,316/year.

Median household income is $65,021/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Plano or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,193/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $65,021/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Plano details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Santa Clara

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville