San Diego, California, and Plano, Texas, are both vibrant cities with unique characteristics. Known for its stunning beaches and year-round good weather, San Diego offers the classic Southern California lifestyle. Plano, on the other hand, situated in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, is noted for its strong economy and prosperity. While considering relocation or a visit, features like crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, economy, infrastructure, industries, real estate, neighborhoods, transport, taxes, culture/food, sports, geography, and healthcare are crucial. In this comparison, we'll delve into these factors, differentiating San Diego from Plano and assisting you in making an informed decision.
Distance between
San Diego, CA and
Plano, TX : 1,181.5 miles
San Diego's population is larger by 379%. Its population has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) since 2000. The population of Plano has grown by 66,223 people (29.8%) during that time.
San Diego has a higher crime rate compared to Plano, with a rate that's higher than the national average. Areas fluctuate with safety varying by neighborhood, similar to any large city. On the other hand, Plano is considered one of the safest cities in America. Its crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, offering peace of mind for residents and tourists alike.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,333 registered sex offenders living in San Diego and 134 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Diego is 1,055 to 1; the ratio in Plano is 2,135 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in San Diego than in Plano.
Cost of Living
San Diego is notable for its high cost of living, primarily influenced by housing costs. Everything from groceries to health care is more expensive than the national average. Plano's cost of living is lower in comparison, although slightly above the national average.
Income Tax
Californians pay a state income tax, with rates varying according to income. In stark contrast, Texas does not impose a state income tax, which can be seen as a significant advantage for residents of Plano.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Texas are amongst the highest in the US, and Plano is no exception. San Diego homeowners, while contending with higher property values, benefit from California's relatively lower property tax rate
Sales Tax
California has a higher sales tax rate (8.25%) compared to Texas (8.25%). However, the total sales tax can be higher in San Diego due to local district taxes. In Plano, there are no additional local taxes, making the total sales tax slightly lower.
Income
Type
San Diego
Plano
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$95,002
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$49,792
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
96.2
If you make $50,000 in Plano, you will have to make $65,696 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, San Diego is coastal with hilly terrain, beautiful beaches, and proximity to the Mexican border. Plano is landlocked, characterized by flat terrain, and is part of the larger Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
Both cities prioritize education; San Diego is home to the prestigious University of California, San Diego, along with various other reputed institutions. Plano's public schools are amongst the highest-rated in Texas, and the city is close to several universities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
San Diego's economy emphasizes healthcare, military defense, international trade, and tourism. In contrast, Plano's economy leans more towards the high-tech, retail, and financial services sectors. Both cities have a healthy job market with plenty of opportunities.
Biggest Employers
San Diego's biggest employers include the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), the Navy, and Sharp Healthcare. Plano's employment scene is dominated by large corporations such as Capital One Finance, Toyota Motor North America, and JCPenney.
There were 539 building permits issued in San Diego in 2012 (88 more than in 2011) compared to 321 building permits issued in Plano in 2012 (28 less than in 2011).
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Plano (Collin County), 33.6% voted for Democrats and 65.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Diego
Plano
San Diego
Plano
San Diego
Plano
2020
60.3%
47.1%
37.5%
51.4%
2.1%
1.5%
2016
56.3%
39.0%
36.6%
55.7%
7.1%
5.4%
2012
52.6%
33.6%
45.0%
65.2%
2.4%
1.2%
2008
54.2%
36.7%
44.0%
62.3%
1.8%
1.0%
2004
46.7%
28.2%
52.9%
71.3%
0.4%
0.6%
2000
45.8%
24.5%
49.8%
73.2%
4.5%
2.3%
1996
44.1%
28.5%
45.6%
63.0%
10.3%
8.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Plano
San Diego
Plano
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
14.2%
6.7%
1.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
10.1%
12.0%
29.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
2.9%
1.1%
1.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.1%
2.0%
0.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
2.0%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.3%
2.0%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.8%
2.2%
1.4%
Weather
San Diego boasts excellent weather, with moderate temperatures year-round and little distinct seasonal change. It's perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy sunshine and mild weather. Plano, in contrast, experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and chilly winters. Besides, it also has a higher chance of experiencing severe weather events like tornadoes and thunderstorms.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Plano
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
64.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
71.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
82%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
40.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
4.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
22.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
66.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
54%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Plano, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Plano
San Diego
San Diego
Plano
San Diego
Plano
San Diego
Plano
San Diego
San Diego
Plano
San Diego
Plano
2018
101
85
0.53
N/A
11.2
5.8
32.6
30.1
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.5
9.7
0.1
0.4
2017
115
84
0.63
N/A
12.7
5.8
32.7
31.4
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.8
9.1
0.1
0.3
2016
105
77
0.46
N/A
13.0
6.4
30.4
29.9
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
8.4
0.1
0.2
2015
111
84
0.43
N/A
13.2
7.2
29.9
30.0
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
8.9
0.1
0.3
2014
105
83
0.44
N/A
11.6
6.1
31.1
30.9
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
9.9
0.1
0.3
2013
138
95
0.50
N/A
12.4
7.0
27.4
32.2
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
13.0
0.2
0.2
2012
110
112
0.53
N/A
12.7
8.5
28.0
34.3
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.6
12.0
0.2
0.3
2011
122
98
0.51
N/A
13.5
9.1
29.0
33.9
0.034
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.0
11.9
1.5
0.6
2010
109
78
0.52
N/A
14.0
9.7
29.3
30.8
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
N/A
1.0
0.7
2009
121
86
0.64
N/A
15.6
9.6
26.9
31.5
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
N/A
2.7
0.5
2008
127
82
0.71
N/A
16.1
9.9
28.4
32.3
N/A
0.121
67.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.6
0.5
2007
157
89
0.71
N/A
16.4
10.3
28.0
29.7
0.012
0.070
64.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
0.3
2006
123
103
0.81
N/A
18.9
10.5
27.1
33.7
0.056
0.106
64.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
0.7
2005
112
105
0.90
N/A
19.2
13.2
24.4
32.6
0.049
0.142
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
3.7
0.9
2004
120
92
0.93
N/A
18.4
11.8
25.9
29.2
0.055
0.099
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.6
0.8
2003
124
100
0.88
N/A
19.4
13.9
25.4
30.3
0.049
0.121
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.8
1.0
2002
125
96
0.86
N/A
20.9
14.3
25.9
29.1
0.039
0.080
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
0.4
2001
132
99
0.93
N/A
20.4
12.8
26.5
30.6
0.048
0.069
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
1.0
2000
134
107
1.02
N/A
22.3
14.5
23.8
31.7
0.054
0.092
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
1.1
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Plano
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
252.9%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
596.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
14%
Transportation
San Diego is equipped with bus and light rail services, and is bicycle-friendly. Yet, many residents prefer driving. Traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Plano citizens predominantly rely on private vehicles, but the city does offer bus and light rail services.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Plano
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
852
266
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
11
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Plano
Bicycle
0.6%
0.1%
Bus
2%
0.4%
Carpooled
9.4%
7.8%
Car alone
81.7%
89.2%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Railroad
0.5%
0%
Walked
3.6%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Plano
Average
27.4 min
28.8 min
Other means
22.7 min
28.4 min
Public transportation
45.7 min
59 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Diego
Plano
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
89.5%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
7.6%
8.8%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
San Diego's real estate market is highly competitive, with high home prices. Apartments in downtown San Diego can be expensive, but suburbs offer more affordable options. Plano's real estate market is more reasonable, with a wide array of housing options across a variety of price points.
Neighborhoods
Each city showcases unique neighborhoods. In San Diego, neighborhoods range from beachfront locales like La Jolla and Mission Beach to urban areas such as Gaslamp Quarter. Plano features family-friendly neighborhoods such as Willow Bend and Haggard Park.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Plano
Houses
555,456
114,797
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.6
Median year apartment built
1980
1996
Median year house/condo built
1977
1990
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
13 years
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
108,472 (94.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
60,883 (56.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
47,589 (43.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$1,491
Median monthly housing costs
$2,044
$1,599
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$1,044,402
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$387,200
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
6.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
7.6
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$447,315
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$154,744
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$529,375
$260,615
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$543,091
$210,357
Median house price - mobile homes
$134,064
$112,806
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$696,014
$325,999
Median house price - All housing units
$941,291
$437,302
Median house age
42
28
Renting percentage
51.7%
37%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
1,604.1
House value disparities
23.6%
23.4%
Household income disparities
42.3%
41.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,584
$134,911
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,588
$110,429
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
744 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
1,681 (4.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
37,102 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
86 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
2,508 (6.6%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
1.9%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
0%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Diego
Plano
One, detached
43.4%
60.2%
One, attached
9.9%
3.5%
Two
1.9%
0.8%
3 or 4
6.0%
3.0%
5 to 9
9.3%
7.3%
10 to 19
7.4%
9.1%
20 to 49
6.3%
3.2%
50 or more
14.6%
12.1%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.8%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
39,709
7,541
State government workers
29,438
4,098
Unpaid family workers
808
57
Industries and Occupations
San Diego's top industries include defense/military, tourism, international trade, and research. Many residents work in these sectors. In Plano, high-tech, financial services, and retail rule, with companies like Capital One, Toyota, and JCPenney providing many local jobs.
San Diego is renowned for its high-quality healthcare and numerous medical centers. Plano also offers exceptional healthcare services, with Texas Health Plano and Medical City Plano among the top facilities.
San Diego offers more in terms of infrastructure due to its larger size. It has a bustling downtown area, an international airport, vibrant nightlife, and extensive parks. Plano, though smaller, also offers a well-maintained infrastructure, with a developing downtown area, and numerous parks and recreation centers.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Plano
Hospitals
26
15
TV stations
13
25
Bank branches located here
255
115
Bank institutions located here
40
42
Main business address for public companies
92
17
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Diego
Plano
1999
3,865
825
2000
2,257
258
2001
1,754
199
2002
2,118
204
2003
5,074
655
2004
7,646
921
2005
8,409
1,145
2006
7,551
1,104
2007
5,741
750
2008
2,876
384
2009
1,675
213
Culture and Food
San Diego's culture is influenced by its coastal location and proximity to Mexico, resulting in a diverse food scene, vibrant nightlife, and countless festivals. Plano, with a mix of Texan and international cultures, also offers a variety of dining options and cultural events.
Sports Teams
San Diego hosts the Padres (MLB), while popular teams like the Chargers (NFL) have relocated. In contrast, Plano is close to Dallas, home to the Cowboys (NFL), Mavericks (NBA), and Rangers (MLB).
San Diego, CA
Plano, TX
San Diego, CA and 
Plano, TX : 1,181.5 miles
