Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Dallas is 6% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $70,872 in Dallas.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Dallas has a housing index of 104 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Dallas costs $310,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Dallas versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Dallas scores 97 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Dallas (100) match Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Dallas is $54,747 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Dallas.
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