Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Phoenix is 8% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $68,807 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are lower than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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