Plano vs Frisco, TX: which DFW suburb fits you?
A side-by-side comparison on real public-record data, not opinion. Plano is the more affordable of the two on total monthly cost, while Frisco rates higher on schools and Frisco on safety. Full breakdown below.
| Category | Plano, TX | Frisco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $450,000 | $520,000 |
| Median rent | $1,800/mo | $2,100/mo |
| Est. total monthly cost | $3,500 | $3,950 |
| School rating | 8.4 / 10 | 9.1 / 10 |
| School district | Plano ISD | Frisco ISD |
| Safety score | 8.5 / 10 | 9 / 10 |
| Commute to downtown Dallas | 28 min | 38 min |
| Commute to Plano / Legacy | 12 min | 5 min |
| Walk score | 28 | 18 |
| Population | 285,000 | 220,000 |
| Median income | $96,000 | $125,000 |
| Population growth | +8%/yr | +71%/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 Frisco: common questions
Is Plano or Frisco cheaper to live in?
Plano has the lower estimated total monthly cost ($3,500 vs $3,950), driven by a median home price of $450,000 and median rent of $1,800/mo.
Does Plano or Frisco have better schools?
Frisco rates higher overall (9.1/10 in Frisco ISD) compared with Plano (8.4/10, Plano ISD).
Which is safer, Plano or Frisco?
Frisco carries the higher safety score (9/10 vs 8.5/10). Check the per-address risk on any specific listing before you sign.