Plano, TX vs Santa Cruz, 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
Santa Cruz
60.5
#1932 nationally
Plano leads in cost of living index (107 vs 205). Santa Cruz leads in walk score (63 vs 39). Santa Cruz leads in average commute (22.2 min vs 27.6 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Plano, TX | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.6 (#865) | 60.5 (#1932) |
| Population | 287,339 | 61,501 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $499,723 | $1,360,355 |
| Median Household Income | $99,936 | $105,491 |
| Average Commute | 27.6 min | 22.2 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 63 |
| Crime Level | Low | 16.8 |
| School Rating | 8.5 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 205 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.2 | D+54.4 |
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-
60.5 Score
Santa Cruz, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,360,355
Population
61,501
Crime
High
Walk Score
63
Pacific
View Santa Cruz, CA →