Living in Frisco, TX in 2025 costs the average family approximately $5,600 per month in gross income (before taxes) to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. For a single person, expect to need around $3,200 monthly, while a couple may require $4,400. These figures account for housing, utilities, groceries, taxes, and typical lifestyle expenses in one of the fastest-growing cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Housing Costs in Frisco

Housing makes up the largest portion of the cost of living in Frisco. As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment hovers around $2,100 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, a typical 3-bedroom house has a median mortgage of $2,800 monthly, assuming a 20% down payment. Many newer neighborhoods also have Homeowners Association (HOA) fees, which can add $200-400 to the monthly total.
Frisco’s housing market offers a range of options to fit different budgets and preferences:
- 1BR Apartment: $1,500 – $1,900/month
- 2BR Apartment: $1,900 – $2,400/month
- 3BR House: $2,600 – $3,200/month mortgage
- 4BR House: $3,000 – $4,000+/month mortgage
Compared to nearby cities like Plano and McKinney, Frisco’s housing costs tend to be 10-15% higher on average, reflecting the city’s newer housing stock, highly-rated schools, and proximity to major employers.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Frisco are fairly consistent with the DFW metro average. Residents can expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, $40 for gas, $70 for water, and $30 for trash and recycling. High-speed internet averages $65 monthly. Keep in mind that electricity bills often spike in the summer months due to high AC usage – plan for $250+ during July and August.
Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
---|---|
Electricity | $180 ($250+ in summer) |
Natural Gas | $40 |
Water | $70 |
Trash/Recycling | $30 |
Internet | $65 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food costs in Frisco are on par with the national average. Plan to budget around $350 per month for groceries for a single person, $650 for a couple, and $900+ for a family of four. This assumes a mix of cooking at home and dining out occasionally. Frisco has a wide variety of grocery stores, including Kroger, Tom Thumb, Whole Foods, and Aldi.
For a typical basket of goods:
- Gallon of milk: $3.50
- Loaf of bread: $2.75
- Dozen eggs: $3.00
- Pound of chicken: $4.50
Frisco’s restaurant scene offers a range of price points. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages $50-70, while fast casual spots are more affordable at $20-30 for two.
Taxes and Fees
Frisco’s property tax rate stands at 2.05% as of 2025, which is slightly higher than the national average but typical for the DFW area. For a $400,000 home, this equates to $8,200 annually or roughly $683 per month. Texas has no state income tax, which helps offset the property tax burden for many residents.
Other taxes and fees to be aware of include:
- Sales tax: 8.25% on most goods and services
- Vehicle registration: $75 annually per vehicle
- HOA fees: $200-400 monthly in many neighborhoods
Monthly Budget Summary
Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
---|---|---|---|
Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,700 | $2,400 | $3,000 |
Utilities | $300 | $385 | $500 |
Groceries | $350 | $650 | $900 |
Transportation | $200 | $300 | $400 |
Healthcare | $250 | $500 | $800 |
Lifestyle/Entertainment | $400 | $600 | $800 |
Total Monthly Expenses | $3,200 | $4,835 | $6,400 |
Keep in mind these are estimates based on a comfortable lifestyle in Frisco. Individuals can certainly live on less by making tradeoffs like having roommates, living in an older home or apartment, cooking more meals at home, and reducing discretionary spending.
Lifestyle Considerations
Frisco offers a high quality of life for many residents, with excellent schools, abundant parks and trails, diverse dining and entertainment options, and a strong job market. The majority of homes are less than 20 years old. Most neighborhoods are family-friendly and have easy access to retail and grocery stores.
However, this convenience and newness comes with tradeoffs. Frisco’s cost of living is higher than many other DFW suburbs. Commute times can be lengthy for those working in Dallas or Fort Worth, often 45-60 minutes each way. Newer homes may be nice, but lot sizes tend to be smaller than in older neighborhoods.
Ultimately, living comfortably in Frisco requires balancing your housing, lifestyle, and commuting preferences with your budget. Many residents feel the city’s amenities, strong school system, and overall quality of life are worth the higher price tag compared to other parts of DFW.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Frisco?
To live comfortably, plan on needing a gross monthly income (pre-tax) of at least $3,200 for a single person, $4,400 for a couple, and $5,600 for a family of four. This factors in housing, food, utilities, and typical lifestyle expenses. - Is Frisco more expensive than other DFW cities?
Yes, Frisco’s cost of living is about 10-20% higher than the DFW average, particularly when it comes to housing. Nearby cities like Plano, McKinney, and Allen may offer more affordable options while still providing access to good schools and amenities. - Do you need a car to live in Frisco?
While Frisco does have some public transit via the DART system, the city is largely car-dependent, especially for commuting to work. Most households have at least one vehicle. Expect to budget for car payments, insurance, gas, and maintenance. - Are there any affordable neighborhoods in Frisco?
Relative to Frisco as a whole, more affordable areas include older neighborhoods on the east side of the city and some apartment complexes along major thoroughfares. However, prices in these areas are still above the DFW median. - What salary do you need to buy a house in Frisco?
To afford the median 3BR house in Frisco (around $500,000 in 2025), you’ll likely need a household gross income of $9,500+ per month ($114,000+ annually), assuming a 20% down payment. This factors in mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and HOA dues.