Plano vs McKinney, TX: which DFW suburb fits you?
A side-by-side comparison on real public-record data, not opinion. McKinney is the more affordable of the two on total monthly cost, while McKinney rates higher on schools and Plano on safety. Full breakdown below.
| Category | Plano, TX | McKinney, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $450,000 | $420,000 |
| Median rent | $1,800/mo | $1,750/mo |
| Est. total monthly cost | $3,500 | $3,300 |
| School rating | 8.4 / 10 | 8.6 / 10 |
| School district | Plano ISD | McKinney ISD |
| Safety score | 8.5 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Commute to downtown Dallas | 28 min | 42 min |
| Commute to Plano / Legacy | 12 min | 15 min |
| Walk score | 28 | 24 |
| Population | 285,000 | 200,000 |
| Median income | $96,000 | $98,000 |
| Population growth | +8%/yr | +43%/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 McKinney: common questions
Is Plano or McKinney cheaper to live in?
McKinney has the lower estimated total monthly cost ($3,300 vs $3,500), driven by a median home price of $420,000 and median rent of $1,750/mo.
Does Plano or McKinney have better schools?
McKinney rates higher overall (8.6/10 in McKinney ISD) compared with Plano (8.4/10, Plano ISD).
Which is safer, Plano or McKinney?
Plano carries the higher safety score (8.5/10 vs 8/10). Check the per-address risk on any specific listing before you sign.