Plano, TX vs Salinas, CA
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
Salinas
63.5
#1766 nationally
Salinas leads in walk score (55 vs 39). Plano leads in cost of living index (107 vs 149). Plano leads in median household income ($99,936 vs $84,250).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Plano, TX | Salinas, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.6 (#865) | 63.5 (#1766) |
| Population | 287,339 | 159,506 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $499,723 | $753,868 |
| Median Household Income | $99,936 | $84,250 |
| Average Commute | 27.6 min | 25.9 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 55 |
| Crime Level | Low | 14.4 |
| School Rating | 8.5 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 149 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.2 | D+29.9 |
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
63.5 Score
Salinas, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$753,868
Population
159,506
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
55
Pacific
View Salinas, CA →