Key factors that impact the cost of your Los Angeles to Plano movetoggle

The cost of Los Angeles movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Los Angeles to Plano (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,449, while larger moves may reach $9,720 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Los Angeles.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,107 to $2,653, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Plano

Moving from Los Angeles to Plano means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Los Angeles than in Plano, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Los Angeles compares to Plano so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Los Angeles Plano
Average rent cost $2,960 $2,100
Average home value $2,368,088 $511,000
Average income (per capita) $74,993 $67,874
Cost of living (single person) $3,922 $2,506
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,213 $6,078
Unemployment rate 10.6% 5.5%
Sales tax 9.5% 8.25%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Plano are 29% lower than in Los Angeles, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Plano.
    Home prices in Plano are 78.4% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Income in Plano is 9.5% lower than in Los Angeles, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Plano include Capital One Finance, DXC Technology, and Bank of America Home Loans.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Plano is 36.1% lower than in Los Angeles. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Plano is 34.0% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • The unemployment rate in Plano is 48.11% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Plano, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Plano are 13.16% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • One perk of moving to Plano is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Los Angeles.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,916.88 in Plano to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.

How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Plano

Plano Los Angeles
Population 285,494 3,820,914
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 8
Walkability score 41 69
Bike friendliness score 52 59
Crime Index 23.02 53.81
Safety Index 76.98 46.19
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Plano might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 93% less than Los Angeles.
  • Getting around Plano without a car might be more difficult than in Los Angeles. Plano has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas Los Angeles is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Plano neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Los Angeles. Based on its score of 41 out of 100, Plano isnโ€™t as walkable as Los Angeles, which has a score of 69 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Plano, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Los Angeles. While Los Angeles has a bike-friendliness score of 59 out of 100, Plano earned a 52. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • Plano has a lower crime rate than Los Angeles based on scores of 23.02 and Los Angeles's 53.81, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Plano than in Los Angeles, based on Planoโ€™s safety index of 76.98 versus 46.19 for Los Angeles. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Plano has better air quality than in Los Angeles. Plano has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Los Angeles. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Los Angeles vs. Plano move

  • Weather: Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Plano are most likely.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Plano. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Plano

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Plano.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Clearview
  • Creekdale
  • Indian Creek
  • Liberty Park
  • Parkbrooke

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Willow Bend
  • Kings Ridge
  • Whiffletree
  • Deerfield
  • Ridgeview Ranch

Things to do in Plano

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Texas, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Plano has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Plano features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Plano Station, Texas Electric Railway and Heritage Farmstead Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Bob Woodruff Park, and Oak Point Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an World Olympic Gymnastics Academy game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Plano?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Los Angeles to Plano are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Los Angeles are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Plano?

With many people choosing to move from Los Angeles to Plano in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Los Angeles to Plano take?

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Plano, TX covers 1,455 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Los Angeles movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Plano.

Helpful moving resources