Boston, MA vs Plano, TX
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Boston
66.2
#1568 nationally
Plano
72.6
#865 nationally
Boston leads in walk score (83 vs 39). Plano leads in cost of living index (107 vs 155). Plano leads in median household income ($99,936 vs $81,744).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Boston, MA | Plano, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.2 (#1568) | 72.6 (#865) |
| Population | 684,379 | 287,339 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $787,763 | $499,723 |
| Median Household Income | $81,744 | $99,936 |
| Average Commute | 30.2 min | 27.6 min |
| Walk Score | 83 | 39 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | Low |
| School Rating | 7.2 | 8.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 155 | 107 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+52.5 | R+11.2 |
D
66.2 Score
Boston, MA
Innovation hub with historic charm
Median Home
$787,763
Population
684,379
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Northeast
View Boston, MA →
C-
72.6 Score
Plano, TX
Corporate opportunity meets family-friendly living
Median Home
$499,723
Population
287,339
Crime
Low
Schools
A
Southwest
View Plano, TX →