Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Olympia to Plano move
What to know before moving from Olympia to Plano
Moving from Olympia to Plano comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Plano is generally more expensive than Olympia, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Olympia | Plano | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,895 | $2,100 |
| Average home value | $508,798 | $511,000 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,492 | $67,874 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,473 | $2,506 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,391 | $6,078 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.5% |
| Sales tax | 9.4% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Plano are 11% higher than in Olympia, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
- Home prices are the same in Plano and Olympia.
- Income in Plano is 2.1% higher than in Olympia, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Plano include Capital One Finance, DXC Technology, and Bank of America Home Loans.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Plano, since the cost of living for a single person in Plano is 1.3% higher than in Olympia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Plano, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Plano is 12.7% higher than in Olympia.
- The unemployment rate in Plano is 1.79% lower than in Olympia.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Plano, since the cityโs sales taxes in Plano are 12.23% lower than in Olympia.
- State income taxes are the same in Plano and Olympia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,040.03 in Plano to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Olympia.
How life is different in Olympia vs. Plano
| Plano | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 285,494 | 55,605 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 39 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 59 |
| Crime Index | 23.02 | 27.95 |
| Safety Index | 76.98 | 62.25 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Plano is about 413% greater than Olympia, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around Plano without a car might be more difficult than in Olympia. Plano has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas Olympia is ranked 5. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find Plano to be about as walkable as Olympia. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 41 and 39 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Plano, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Olympia. While Olympia 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 Olympia based on scores of 23.02 and Olympia's 27.95, 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 Olympia, based on Planoโs safety index of 76.98 versus 62.25 for Olympia. 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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Texas, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Texas doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Plano without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Plano
With your sights set on "Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas", these are some of the most popular 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
Now that you've made the move to Texas, itโs the perfect time to explore Plano. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Plano, such as 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 along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an World Olympic Gymnastics Academy game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Olympia to Plano?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Olympia to Plano are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Olympia are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Olympia to Plano?
With many people choosing to move from Olympia 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 Olympia to Plano take?
Moving from Olympia, WA to Plano, TX covers 2,136 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Olympia movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Plano.
