If you’re researching a move to North Texas, you’ve likely encountered two conflicting stories about Plano. The first is the classic Texas narrative of "limitless space." The second is the modern reality: Plano has matured into a global corporate hub where rental rates in premier districts reflect the high demand for proximity to world-class employment centers.
So, is Plano actually expensive? In 2026, the answer is nuanced. While Plano’s cost of living is approximately 13% higher than the national average, it remains a significant value for those relocating from higher-tax states. To understand the true cost of living here, you have to look past the sticker price and dive into the specific math of the North Texas market.
1. The Rent Reality: A Tiered Market
Housing is the largest line item in any Plano budget. According to 2026 market data, the median rent in Plano is approximately $2,150, but the city is a tiered market where your choice of neighborhood dictates your monthly outflow.
In West Plano, specifically the Legacy West corridor, you are entering the top tier of the Texas rental market. In high-rise towers like LVL 29 or The Kincaid at Legacy, one-bedroom units often start at $2,400. You are paying for concrete-and-steel construction, 24/7 concierge staff, and the walkability of a global retail district.
Conversely, Central and East Plano offer a different value proposition. Mid-rise communities in these areas often list one-bedrooms between $1,600 and $1,850. By looking just a few miles east of the Tollway, you can effectively adjust your housing costs while maintaining high-end finishes like quartz counters and smart-home technology.
2. The 0% Factor: The Texas Income Tax Benefit
You cannot evaluate the expense of Plano without calculating the 0% State Income Tax. For many professionals relocating to work at the global headquarters located here, moving to Plano functions as an immediate increase in take-home pay.
For a household earning $150,000, the lack of state income tax can put an extra $900 to $1,300 per month back into your budget. However, Texas funds its infrastructure through property taxes. While you don't pay these directly as a renter, they are a factor in the building’s overhead. In 2026, property tax rates in Plano hover around 1.8% to 2.1%, which is why annual rent increases are an important factor to discuss with your locator.
3. Transportation: The "Tollway" Variable
Plano is a beautifully maintained city with modern infrastructure, but much of that connectivity is supported by tolls. If your daily commute involves the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) or the Sam Rayburn Tollway (121), you should factor this into your monthly transportation budget. Frequent commuters can expect to spend $120 to $180 per month on tolls. While gas prices in Plano are consistently lower than the national average, the frequency of driving and the cost of the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) are key budget items.
4. Everyday Goods and Services
Where Plano shines in the "value" category is in everyday expenses. Grocery prices in Plano are roughly at par with the national average. Because Plano is a competitive hub for major grocers—including Central Market, Whole Foods, and H-E-B—the abundance of options keeps the cost of high-quality goods stable.