Key factors that impact the cost of your Washington DC to Plano move
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Plano
Moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC than in Plano, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Washington DC compares to Plano so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Washington DC | Plano | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,400 | $2,100 |
Average home value | $594,337 | $511,000 |
Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $67,874 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,963 | $2,506 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,093 | $6,078 |
Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.5% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Plano are 13% lower than in Washington DC, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Plano.
Home prices in Plano are 14.0% lower than in Washington DC. - Income in Plano is 33.3% lower than in Washington DC, 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 36.8% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Plano is 45.2% lower than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Plano is 21.43% lower than in Washington DC.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Plano, since the cityโs sales taxes in Plano are 37.50% higher than in Washington DC.
- One perk of moving to Plano is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Washington DC.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,897.05 in Plano to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Plano
Plano | Washington DC | |
---|---|---|
Population | 285,494 | 705,749 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 9 |
Walkability score | 41 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 52 | 70 |
Crime Index | 23.02 | 60.37 |
Safety Index | 76.98 | 39.63 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Plano might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 60% less than Washington DC.
- Getting around Plano without a car might be more difficult than in Washington DC. Plano has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas Washington DC is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a cityโs 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 Washington DC. Based on its score of 41 out of 100, Plano isnโt as walkable as Washington DC, which has a score of 77 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 wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Plano, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Washington DC. While Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 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 Washington DC based on scores of 23.02 and Washington DC's 60.37, 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 Washington DC, based on Planoโs safety index of 76.98 versus 39.63 for Washington DC. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Plano and Washington DC is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Texas doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Plano. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Plano
Ready to relocate to "Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
After getting comfortable in your new Texas home, itโs time to see what Plano is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Plano include museums and art centers like the Plano Station, Texas Electric Railway and Heritage Farmstead Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Bob Woodruff Park, and Oak Point Park โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an World Olympic Gymnastics Academy game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Plano?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Washington DC to Plano are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Washington DC are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Plano?
With many people choosing to move from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Plano take?
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Plano, TX covers 1,330 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Washington DC movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Plano.