Plano, TX vs Waltham, 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
Waltham
66.7
#1517 nationally
Plano leads in cost of living index (107 vs 164). Waltham leads in walk score (57 vs 39). Waltham leads in median household income ($113,443 vs $99,936).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Plano, TX | Waltham, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.6 (#865) | 66.7 (#1517) |
| Population | 287,339 | 64,477 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $499,723 | $831,292 |
| Median Household Income | $99,936 | $113,443 |
| Average Commute | 27.6 min | 24.6 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 57 |
| Crime Level | Low | 6.9 |
| School Rating | 8.5 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 164 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.2 | D+39.5 |
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
66.7 Score
Waltham, MA
Massachusetts community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$831,292
Population
64,477
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
57
Northeast
View Waltham, MA →