Plano vs Allen, TX: which DFW suburb fits you?
A side-by-side comparison on real public-record data, not opinion. Allen is the more affordable of the two on total monthly cost, while Allen rates higher on schools and Plano on safety. Full breakdown below.
| Category | Plano, TX | Allen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $450,000 | $430,000 |
| Median rent | $1,800/mo | $1,800/mo |
| Est. total monthly cost | $3,500 | $3,400 |
| School rating | 8.4 / 10 | 9.2 / 10 |
| School district | Plano ISD | Allen ISD |
| Safety score | 8.5 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
| Commute to downtown Dallas | 28 min | 35 min |
| Commute to Plano / Legacy | 12 min | 10 min |
| Walk score | 28 | 22 |
| Population | 285,000 | 107,000 |
| Median income | $96,000 | $105,000 |
| Population growth | +8%/yr | +26%/yr |
| Budget tier | premium | premium |
| Vibe | family friendly | family friendly |
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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Plano vs Allen: common questions
Is Plano or Allen cheaper to live in?
Allen has the lower estimated total monthly cost ($3,400 vs $3,500), driven by a median home price of $430,000 and median rent of $1,800/mo.
Does Plano or Allen have better schools?
Allen rates higher overall (9.2/10 in Allen ISD) compared with Plano (8.4/10, Plano ISD).
Which is safer, Plano or Allen?
Plano carries the higher safety score (8.5/10 vs 8.5/10). Check the per-address risk on any specific listing before you sign.