Pretty good Cost of Living Analysis of Plano vs other states' top cities (Huntington: middle-class)

[TX75007]

Here is an apples to apples comparison. A breakdown in taxes and cost of living items.

Tax Hikes over $250K: End of the Upper Middle Class?

Couples making 250,000. Plano TX ends up 7.5K to 28K ahead.

Compares to Huntington, NY, Napierville, IL and Alexandria, VA - three of the six cities profiled.

Looking schools-wise, only Alexandria, VA with nearby TJH compares favorably with Plano HS.

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

I live in Plano for a reason.

[TX75007]

Originally Posted by justme02

I live in Plano for a reason.

We are fortunate to live in a low cost state. I feel sorry for working families in other states. The families in this example are well off. But others making less than 100K are hit the hardest as are retirees. I send money to my dad and his wife now as her nursing and his military retirement cannot cover their costs any more.

[Cowboys fan in Houston]

If I had to move to one of the other cities on the list, it would have to be Naperville or Alexandria. I would never live in Glendale.

[TheOverdog]

I'd call that a fairly ridiculous chart. All they are judging is tax costs as the majority of costs are exactly the same. I think many consumer costs across the US are pretty similar, but home gas and electricity is the same in TX as Glendale CA? The theoretical person spends $400 a month on house cleaning but only $100 on entertaining in the home? Are they hoarders? Daycare costs are exactly the same across the US? Their insurance for a $400k a home is only $900 a year, but their water bill is somehow less than mine. Really?

This comparison is just silly, and this is a comment made by the clueless:

Some of the expenses incurred by couples like the Joneses may seem lavish – such as $5,000 on a housecleaner, a $1,200 annual dry cleaning tab and $4,000 on kids’ activities. But when both parents are working, it is impossible for them to maintain the home, care for the kids and dress for their professional jobs without a big outlay.

My wife and I both work, and pay less than $400 a month for housecleaning. Plus my income is much less and I'm not in the red. I'm not sure what this is really supposed to show us. That stupid people can sometimes have large incomes? In my opinion, that's very true, but usually not for very long.

[TX75007]

Originally Posted by TheOverdog

I'd call that a fairly ridiculous chart. All they are judging is tax costs as the majority of costs are exactly the same. I think many consumer costs across the US are pretty similar, but home gas and electricity is the same in TX as Glendale CA? The theoretical person spends $400 a month on house cleaning but only $100 on entertaining in the home? Are they hoarders? Daycare costs are exactly the same across the US? Their insurance for a $400k a home is only $900 a year, but their water bill is somehow less than mine. Really?

Quite a few non-tax costs are different. And its a lot better than anything else I have seen. Can you find something different?

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by TX75007

Quite a few non-tax costs are different. And its a lot better than anything else I have seen. Can you find something different?

Here is the best easy to use and free one I've seen. This does not account for tax burden differences all as best I can tell.

Cost of Living comparison calculator


I like what you posted but I think it does understate Plano's advantages significantly.