Is Plano, TX cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Plano, TX is 1.9% cheaper than Austin, TX. This translates to saving $146 per month.

What salary do I need in Plano, TX to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $148,252.427 in Plano, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Plano, TX?

Housing in Plano, TX is 17.1% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,340/month in Plano, TX compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Plano, TX?

Moving from Austin, TX to Plano, TX could save you approximately $146 per month, or $1748 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Austin, TX vs Plano, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $146/month moving to Plano, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.3K in Plano, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$146

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$558K

Plano, TX

Population:285K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$496K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Plano, TX

The Lone Star State

285K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 285K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Plano, TX

Category	Austin, TX	Plano, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,885/mo	$2,391/mo	↓ $494less	17.1%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$632/mo	↑ $43.37more	7.4%
Other	$1,741/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $33.48more	1.9%
All Utilities	$541/mo	$563/mo	↑ $21.86more	4.0%
Groceries	$959/mo	$979/mo	↑ $19.99more	2.1%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,298/mo	↑ $13.66more	1.1%

Housing

↓ 17.1%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Plano, TX

$2,391

Difference

$494

less

Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Austin, TX

$589

Plano, TX

$632

Difference

$43.37

Other

↑ 1.9%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Plano, TX

$1,774

Difference

$33.48

All Utilities

↑ 4.0%

Austin, TX

$541

Plano, TX

$563

Difference

$21.86

Groceries

↑ 2.1%

Austin, TX

$959

Plano, TX

$979

Difference

$19.99

Transportation

↑ 1.1%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Plano, TX

$1,298

Difference

$13.66

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,915

↑ $330

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$2,000

↑ $315

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$2,340

↑ $345

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$2,945

↑ $420

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Plano, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,770–$2,200/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$7,637

Monthly in Plano, TX

$361

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Plano

$558K

Median Value

$496K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +35%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$361K - $725K

Homes in Plano are 11% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Plano

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Plano, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Plano, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.