Plano, TX vs. Frisco, TX: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Plano vs Frisco. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Plano vs Frisco in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Plano and Frisco compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Plano | Frisco |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 | $2,100 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $550,000 |
🏆 Winner: Plano. Housing costs tend to be 10-20% lower in Plano compared to Frisco.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a significant monthly expense. In Plano and Frisco, expect to pay:
- Electricity: $150-200/month, with higher usage in hot summer months
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $80-120/month
- Internet: $60-80/month
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are very similar between the two cities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, a typical monthly grocery budget is around $800-1,000 in Plano and $850-1,100 in Frisco. Eating out costs 5-10% more in Frisco as well.
🏆 Winner: Plano, but only slightly. Grocery and dining out costs are comparable.
4. Taxes and Fees
Plano has a slightly lower property tax rate of 1.81% vs Frisco’s 1.86%. However, Frisco has lower municipal utility fees. Many neighborhoods in both cities have HOA fees ranging from $30-300/month.
🏆 Winner: Tie. The tax and fee differences mostly offset each other.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Expense | Plano | Frisco |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,850 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $300 | $300 |
| Groceries | $900 | $975 |
| Transportation | $500 | $550 |
| Taxes/Fees | $600 | $650 |
| Misc | $400 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,550 | $5,025 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Frisco is a bit pricier, it offers more space, newer construction, and highly-rated schools. Plano is more established with older homes and easier access to Dallas. Frisco is about 3°F cooler than Plano in the summer.
7. FAQ
- Is Plano more affordable than Frisco? Yes, the cost of living in Plano is about 10% lower than Frisco overall.
- Which city has lower rent? Plano has lower apartment rents by roughly $200-300/month.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Home prices in Plano are typically 10-20% less than comparable homes in Frisco.
8. Conclusion
Plano offers a lower cost of living for those prioritizing affordability, while Frisco appeals to families desiring newer homes and top schools. Young professionals may prefer Plano’s proximity to Dallas. Consider your budget and lifestyle to decide which city fits best. For more insights, read our Monthly Budget Examples for Plano Residents and Cost of Living in Plano (2025 Guide).