Plano, TX vs Santa Monica, 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 Monica
59.6
#1949 nationally
Plano leads in cost of living index (107 vs 273). Santa Monica leads in walk score (83 vs 39). Santa Monica leads in average commute (25.3 min vs 27.6 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Plano, TX | Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.6 (#865) | 59.6 (#1949) |
| Population | 287,339 | 89,922 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $499,723 | $1,685,560 |
| Median Household Income | $99,936 | $106,797 |
| Average Commute | 27.6 min | 25.3 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 83 |
| Crime Level | Low | 21.3 |
| School Rating | 8.5 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 273 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+11.2 | D+32.9 |
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 →
F
59.6 Score
Santa Monica, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,685,560
Population
89,922
Crime
High
Walk Score
83
Pacific
View Santa Monica, CA →
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