Frisco vs Southlake, TX: which DFW suburb fits you?
A side-by-side comparison on real public-record data, not opinion. Frisco is the more affordable of the two on total monthly cost, while Southlake rates higher on schools and Southlake on safety. Full breakdown below.
| Category | Frisco, TX | Southlake, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $520,000 | $850,000 |
| Median rent | $2,100/mo | $3,200/mo |
| Est. total monthly cost | $3,950 | $5,800 |
| School rating | 9.1 / 10 | 9.4 / 10 |
| School district | Frisco ISD | Carroll ISD |
| Safety score | 9 / 10 | 9.5 / 10 |
| Commute to downtown Dallas | 38 min | 30 min |
| Commute to Plano / Legacy | 5 min | 30 min |
| Walk score | 18 | 22 |
| Population | 220,000 | 32,000 |
| Median income | $125,000 | $215,000 |
| Population growth | +71%/yr | +18%/yr |
| Budget tier | premium | luxury |
| Vibe | family friendly | luxury suburban |
Green = the more favorable value for that row. Cost and commute lower is better; schools, safety, income, and walk score higher is better. Sources: U.S. Census ACS, FBI UCR, TEA accountability ratings, HUD FMR, county appraisal districts. Verify any specific listing before you sign.
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Frisco vs Southlake: common questions
Is Frisco or Southlake cheaper to live in?
Frisco has the lower estimated total monthly cost ($3,950 vs $5,800), driven by a median home price of $520,000 and median rent of $2,100/mo.
Does Frisco or Southlake have better schools?
Southlake rates higher overall (9.4/10 in Carroll ISD) compared with Frisco (9.1/10, Frisco ISD).
Which is safer, Frisco or Southlake?
Southlake carries the higher safety score (9.5/10 vs 9/10). Check the per-address risk on any specific listing before you sign.