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Irvine vs Plano: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Irvine is 41% more expensive than Plano. Irvine is 40% safer. Irvine has more comfortable months (12 vs 6). Irvine population: 318,764. Plano population: 293,028.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingPlano
SafetyIrvine
WeatherIrvine
HousingPlano

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Irvine vs Plano

Plano is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 110 vs 155 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 45 index points.

CategoryIrvinePlano
Overall Index155110
Housing$4,450/moIndex: 250$2,581/moIndex: 145
Groceries$431/moIndex: 105$406/moIndex: 99
Transportation$385/moIndex: 110$357/moIndex: 102
Healthcare$336/moIndex: 105$320/moIndex: 100
Utilities$202/moIndex: 92$220/moIndex: 100

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Irvine vs Plano

Irvine is 40% safer overall, with a crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 residents vs Plano's 19.2. Irvine earns a B+ safety grade compared to Plano's B-. Based on 2023 FBI data.

B+

Irvine

California

Overall GradeB+
Violent CrimeB+
Property CrimeB+
Crime Rate11.6/1K
TrendDeclining
B-

Plano

Texas

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeB+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate19.2/1K
TrendStable
MetricIrvinePlano
Overall Crime Rate11.6/1K19.2/1K
Violent Crime Rate60.0120.0
Property Crime Rate1100.01800.0
Murder Rate0.91.8
Assault Rate42.676.9
Robbery Rate13.215.4
Burglary Rate172.1282.6
Theft Rate730.01573.4
Vehicle Theft Rate262.4208.4

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Irvine, you have a 1 in 86 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 52 in Plano.

Climate: Irvine vs Plano

Irvine Climate Overview

Annual High74.6°F
Annual Low55.1°F
Annual Rain12.8"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months12
Best MonthJune
Worst MonthFebruary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarm

Plano Climate Overview

Annual High76.5°F
Annual Low55.9°F
Annual Rain35.6"
Annual Snow1.1"
Comfortable Months6
Best MonthOctober
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ColdComfortableWarmHot

Monthly Temperature Comparison

IrvinePlanoHigh/Low °F range
40°60°80°100°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
MetricIrvinePlano
Avg Annual High74.6°F76.5°F
Avg Annual Low55.1°F55.9°F
Annual Rain12.8"35.6"
Annual SnowNone1.1"
Comfortable Months126
Freezing Months00

Plano is 12°F warmer in summer than Irvine, but Plano is 11°F colder in winter than Irvine. Plano gets 1 inches of snow annually, while Irvine rarely sees any. Plano is wetter with 36" of annual rain compared to 13". Irvine has more comfortable weather months (12 vs 6).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Irvine cheaper than Plano?
Plano is 41% more affordable than Irvine, with a cost of living index of 110 vs 155 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $4,450/mo in Irvine vs $2,581/mo in Plano.
Is Irvine safer than Plano?
Irvine is 40% safer overall, with a crime rate of 11.6 per 1,000 residents vs Plano's 19.2. Irvine earns a B+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Which city has better weather, Irvine or Plano?
Plano is about the same temperature as Irvine. Irvine has more comfortable months (12 vs 6). Annual snow: Irvine gets none, Plano gets 1".
Should I move to Irvine or Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine is safer (B+ grade). Plano is more affordable (index 110 vs 155). Irvine has better year-round weather. Irvine has a population of 318,764 and Plano has 293,028. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Irvine compared to Plano?
Irvine has a population of 318,764 and Plano has 293,028. Irvine is 9% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Irvine or Plano?
Housing is cheaper in Plano. Estimated monthly housing costs: Irvine $4,450/mo vs Plano $2,581/mo. That's based on a housing index of 250 vs 145 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

B+
Irvine Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
B-
Plano Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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