Moving from California to Plano, Texas, in 2026 can mean lower overall living costs, more space, and a different pace of life, but also higher property taxes, hotter summers, and a more car‑dependent lifestyle.
Why Californians Are Moving To Plano
Many Californians choose Plano for its mix of affordability, tax benefits, and quality of life.
- No state income tax in Texas, versus up to about 13.3% in California, means more take-home pay for many families.
- Overall, the cost of living in cities like Los Angeles is roughly 30–33% higher than in Plano, so the same salary often stretches further in North Texas.
- DFW (Dallas–Fort Worth) is a major employment hub, and Plano’s proximity to corporate campuses helps sustain its strong housing market.
Cost Of Living: Expectations vs Reality
The big surprise for many Californians is that life is cheaper overall, but not “cheap.”
- The median listing home price in Plano in late 2025 is around the low to mid-$500,000s, with many neighborhoods seeing sold prices in the $500,000 range.
- Housing and general living costs are noticeably lower than in coastal California, but local analyses still indicate that Plano runs above the national average.
- Property taxes are where some Californians feel “sticker shock,” with effective property tax rates in Texas roughly double those in California, which can raise your monthly payment even if the home price is lower.
Housing: From California Prices To Plano Neighborhoods
Moving from California prices to Plano gives most buyers more house and yard, but at different trade‑offs.
- California’s typical home value in many metros hovers near or above $750,000–$800,000, while Plano’s typical range in 2025 is closer to $500,000–$530,000, depending on the source and time of year.
- In Plano, homes start around the low $300,000s in parts of East Plano, while luxury homes can run into the multi-million range; therefore, it is essential to match your budget and lifestyle with the right zip codes.
- Some Plano zip codes, such as 75023, exhibit median list prices in the mid-$400,000s, accompanied by strong price-per-square-foot and healthy buyer demand, which appeals to relocating families seeking long-term stability.
Quick Numbers: Moving & Housing
Taxes, Commute, And Day‑To‑Day Life
The day-to-day rhythm in Plano feels different from that of most California metros, particularly in terms of commuting and lifestyle.
- Texas has no state income tax, but sales tax and higher property taxes help fund services, which is a key difference from California’s tax mix.
- Average commute times in Plano are around 25 minutes, and the city is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit compared to larger California cities.
- The cost of groceries, gas, and childcare tends to be lower than in many California metros, resulting in thousands of dollars in annual savings for some families.
What People Wish They Knew Before Moving
Many California‑to‑Plano transplants say the move is worth it, but there are things they wish they had planned for earlier.
- A North Dallas salary of around $150,000 can often go further than a significantly higher income in coastal California, as housing and taxes are more affordable. However, budgeting should still account for Texas property taxes and rising insurance costs.
- Summer heat and humidity are a real adjustment, especially for those from coastal climates, and most people rely heavily on air conditioning and indoor activities in July and August.
- Neighborhood choice matters: being close to schools, parks, and your main commute routes often makes a bigger quality‑of‑life difference than squeezing into a slightly larger house farther out.
Ready To Explore A Move From California To Plano?
If you are considering moving from California to Plano, Texas, the next step is to determine what your exact budget can afford in real neighborhoods and compare your current cost of living. For a personalized California‑to‑Plano relocation consult. Complete with cost‑of‑living comparison, neighborhood and school suggestions, and a tailored home search, reach out today to schedule a one‑on‑one planning call.
