Plano vs Boston
Cost of Living (2026)

Plano is 54% less expensive than Boston. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Massachusetts's 5%.

Enter your salary → get exact comparison

At a glance

Plano, TX

COL index105 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,500/mo ✓
Median home price$430K ✓
VS

Boston, MA

COL index162
State income tax5%
Avg 1BR rent$2,900/mo
Median home price$720K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryPlano indexBoston indexDifference
Housing137 ✓214+77%
Groceries100 ✓152+52%
Transportation100 ✓151+51%
Healthcare102 ✓156+54%
Utilities100 ✓144+44%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Plano → Boston

What salary in Boston gives you the same purchasing power as your Plano salary?

Salary in PlanoEquivalent in BostonDifference
$60,000$100,000+$40,000
$80,000$133,000+$53,000
$100,000$166,000+$66,000
$130,000$216,000+$86,000
$150,000$249,000+$99,000
$200,000$332,000+$132,000

Plano vs Boston: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Plano, TX and Boston, MA, Plano comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 105 versus 162 for Boston — a difference of approximately 54%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano workers an immediate 5% take-home pay advantage over Boston workers who pay Massachusetts's 5% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Plano is $430,000, compared to $720,000 in Boston. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,500/month in Plano versus $2,900/month in Boston.

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