Plano vs Richardson, TX: which DFW suburb fits you?
A side-by-side comparison on real public-record data, not opinion. Richardson is the more affordable of the two on total monthly cost, while Plano rates higher on schools and Plano on safety. Full breakdown below.
| Category | Plano, TX | Richardson, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $450,000 | $400,000 |
| Median rent | $1,800/mo | $1,600/mo |
| Est. total monthly cost | $3,500 | $3,100 |
| School rating | 8.4 / 10 | 8.1 / 10 |
| School district | Plano ISD | Richardson ISD |
| Safety score | 8.5 / 10 | 8 / 10 |
| Commute to downtown Dallas | 28 min | 22 min |
| Commute to Plano / Legacy | 12 min | 18 min |
| Walk score | 28 | 30 |
| Population | 285,000 | 120,000 |
| Median income | $96,000 | $78,000 |
| Population growth | +8%/yr | +7%/yr |
| Budget tier | premium | mid-range |
| Vibe | family friendly | 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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Plano vs Richardson: common questions
Is Plano or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Richardson has the lower estimated total monthly cost ($3,100 vs $3,500), driven by a median home price of $400,000 and median rent of $1,600/mo.
Does Plano or Richardson have better schools?
Plano rates higher overall (8.4/10 in Plano ISD) compared with Richardson (8.1/10, Richardson ISD).
Which is safer, Plano or Richardson?
Plano carries the higher safety score (8.5/10 vs 8/10). Check the per-address risk on any specific listing before you sign.