Question 1

Is Irving or Plano cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Irving, TX is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $190/month less than in Plano, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,517/mo in Irving versus $1,792/mo in Plano.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Irving vs Plano?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $70,500/year before tax in Irving, TX and $74,500/year in Plano, TX — a difference of about $4,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Irving or Plano cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Irving, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,161/month in Irving and $9,875/month in Plano, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Irving or Plano?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Irving costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Irving80	Plano79
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,032	$4,222
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,161	$9,875
Salary for comfort	$70,500/yr	$74,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,517	$1,792
Median home value	$287,300	$440,600
Median household income	$79,641	$108,649
Unemployment	4.3%	4.5%
Housing score	79	77
Jobs score	59	55
Safety score	82	92
Climate score	92	96
Amenities score	72	63
Population	255K	287.3K
Summer high / winter low	96° / 36°	94° / 32°

Irving, TX vs Plano, TX