Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Plano, TX (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Washington is 30% more expensive than Plano.

$1,900/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 6%
$106,287/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 2%
$724,600 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$440,600 ↓ 39%
$2,103/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↓ 13%
672,079
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Plano, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $2,362/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over District of Columbia's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Plano — common questions

Is Washington or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Plano is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Plano?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Plano?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $2,362/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Texas?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Plano details →

More Comparisons

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