Plano, TX vs Salem, MA
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.
Plano
72.6
#865 nationally
Salem
68.6
#1307 nationally
Salem leads in walk score (70 vs 39). Plano leads in median household income ($99,936 vs $79,196). Plano leads in cost of living index (107 vs 135).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Plano, TX | Salem, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.6 (#865) | 68.6 (#1307) |
| Population | 287,339 | 44,744 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $499,723 | $614,321 |
| Median Household Income | $99,936 | $79,196 |
| Average Commute | 27.6 min | 30.6 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 70 |
| Crime Level | Low | 4.2 |
| School Rating | 8.5 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 135 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.2 | D+20.3 |
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 →
D+
68.6 Score
Salem, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$614,321
Population
44,744
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
70
Northeast
View Salem, MA →