Plano, TX vs San Mateo, 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
San Mateo
63
#1808 nationally
Plano leads in cost of living index (107 vs 249). San Mateo leads in walk score (68 vs 39). San Mateo leads in median household income ($149,152 vs $99,936).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Plano, TX | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.6 (#865) | 63 (#1808) |
| Population | 287,339 | 101,327 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $499,723 | $1,685,162 |
| Median Household Income | $99,936 | $149,152 |
| Average Commute | 27.6 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 68 |
| Crime Level | Low | 6.7 |
| School Rating | 8.5 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 249 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.2 | D+50.3 |
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
63 Score
San Mateo, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,685,162
Population
101,327
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
68
Pacific
View San Mateo, CA →