Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Plano, TX (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Seattle is 48% more expensive than Plano.

$1,998/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 10%
$121,984/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↓ 11%
$912,100 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$440,600 ↓ 52%
$2,220/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↓ 18%
741,440
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $13,335/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Plano — common questions

Is Seattle or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Plano?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Plano?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $13,335/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Texas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Plano details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Plano

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison