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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Plano is 33% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,792/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 39%
$108,649/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 10%
$440,600 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 64%
$1,829/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 45%
287,339
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $694/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $8,328/year.

Median household income is $11,277/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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 Clarita — common questions

Is Plano or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $694/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $11,277/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Plano details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Santa Clarita

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