Plano vs Richardson: which is better to live in?
Plano gets A overall and Richardson gets A-. Plano comes out ahead on our index.
Plano wins on cost of living, jobs and income, safety, education levels, health, home ownership and internet access. Richardson wins on getting around.
Plano is the better pick for retirees, remote workers and people on a budget.
Side by side
| Plano | Richardson | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | A | A- |
| Population | 293,028 | 118,542 |
| Growth since 2020 | +2.6% | -0.8% |
| Median rent | $1,841 | $1,857 |
| Median home value | $465,900 | $431,400 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $3,109 | $2,902 |
| Median household income | $112,253 | $98,111 |
| Property tax per year | $6,700 | $6,482 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 147 | 138 |
| Property crime per 100k | 1,194 | 1,497 |
| Schools rated A or B | 75% | 71% |
| Average commute | 25 min | 24 min |
| Work from home | 28% | 25% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 60% | 57% |
| Median age | 39.6 years | 33.9 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 93 | 93 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Moderate | Moderate |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Plano | Richardson | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | B (65) | C+ (52) |
| Jobs and income | A- (86) | B (65) |
| Schools | B- (60) | B- (60) |
| Safety | B (70) | B (66) |
| Errands and things to do | A+ (98) | A+ (99) |
| Getting around | C- (37) | B+ (74) |
| Education levels | A- (85) | B+ (79) |
| Health | B+ (78) | B- (59) |
| Home ownership | B- (63) | C+ (50) |
| Internet access | A (90) | B+ (74) |
Cost of living
Overall costs are close between the two.
Median rent is about the same: $1,841 a month in Plano and $1,857 in Richardson.
The median home is worth $465,900 in Plano and $431,400 in Richardson. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $3,109 a month against $2,902, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 4.2 times income in Plano and 4.4 times in Richardson.
Commute and location
Commutes average 25 minutes in Plano and 24 in Richardson.
The two are about 7 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Richardson has less violent crime. Plano reported 147 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Richardson reported 138 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 75% of Plano's 67 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 71% of Richardson's 24.
Common questions
Is Plano or Richardson better to live in?
Plano grades higher overall (A vs A-). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Plano cheaper than Richardson?
They cost about the same to live in.
Which is safer, Plano or Richardson?
Richardson, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.