Moving to Frisco in 2026: Cost of Living, Housing, and What to Know
Frisco is a booming city of about 225,000 people in Collin County, 30 miles north of downtown Dallas. It has grown from 33,000 residents in 2000 to over 225,000 today, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the country over the past two decades. Frisco has attracted corporate headquarters, professional sports facilities, and families drawn by top-rated schools and master-planned communities. Here is what you need to know for a 2026 move.
Cost of Living Overview
Frisco is above the DFW average, reflecting its desirability and newer housing stock. The no-income-tax advantage keeps overall costs competitive with comparable suburbs nationally.
| Category | Frisco | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Cost of Living Index | 112 | 100 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1,550/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Median Home Price | $530,000 | $420,000 |
| Groceries | 3% above average | Baseline |
| Utilities | $165/mo | $150/mo |
| Transportation | Car required | Varies |
Collin County property taxes are high, averaging 2.0% to 2.2%. On a $530,000 home, expect $10,600 to $11,660 in annual property taxes. This is the single biggest cost factor. Use our mortgage calculator to model the full picture.
Housing Market
Frisco’s housing is predominantly newer construction, with most homes built after 2000. The median home price of $530,000 buys a four-bedroom home in a master-planned community. The northern half of the city has the newest construction. Luxury homes in communities like Starwood and Newman Village push well above $1 million.
Rentals average $1,550 for one-bedrooms and $2,300 to $3,000 for three-bedroom houses. Build-to-rent communities are a growing option.
Best Neighborhoods for Newcomers
Phillips Creek Ranch offers resort-style amenities with a lagoon pool. Richwoods has varied housing types and parks. Hollyhock in the north provides newer homes with community gardens. The Canals at Grand Park features waterway-adjacent living. West Frisco near the PGA headquarters has upscale dining and mixed-use development. Panther Creek attracts families with Frisco ISD’s newest schools.
Read our guide for new buyers for new-construction market strategies.
Job Market
Frisco has attracted an impressive roster of corporate relocations and headquarters, creating a local job market that rivals Plano’s.
| Metric | Frisco |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $128,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.8% |
| Top Industries | Technology, Sports/Entertainment, Finance, Healthcare, Corporate HQs |
| Major Employers | Keurig Dr Pepper, PGA of America, Dallas Cowboys (Star complex), T-Mobile, Oracle |
The $5 Billion Mile along the Dallas North Tollway includes the PGA headquarters, Frisco Station, and The Star (Dallas Cowboys HQ and practice facility). Keurig Dr Pepper and T-Mobile maintain major operations. Oracle’s campus in north Frisco is expanding. The median household income of $128,000 is among the highest for any city this size.
Check buying power at our see what you can afford.
Schools and Education
Frisco ISD is consistently rated among the top districts in Texas, serving about 67,000 students. The district has opened multiple new schools to keep pace with growth. Reedy High School, Independence High School, and Wakeland High School are all highly rated. The district is known for strong academics, athletics, and fine arts.
Prosper ISD serves the western edge with equally strong ratings. Some areas fall in Lewisville ISD, which is solid but a step below Frisco ISD in rankings.
University of North Texas at Frisco provides local higher education. Collin College has a Frisco campus.
Transportation
Frisco is car-dependent with no rail transit. The Dallas North Tollway is the primary north-south corridor. US-380, the Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH 121), and the President George Bush Turnpike provide east-west and loop access.
Average commute times are about 30 minutes but stretch to 45+ minutes for Dallas-bound commuters during peak hours. DFW Airport is 30 to 40 minutes southwest.
Weather and Climate
Frisco shares the North Texas climate profile with hot summers, mild winters, and severe spring storms.
| Season | Temperature Range | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 46–80°F | Severe storms, large hail, tornadoes |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 72–100°F | Hot, humid |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 46–82°F | Pleasant, cooling |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 30–56°F | Mild, rare ice events |
Hailstorms are a regular spring occurrence in Collin County. Impact-resistant roofing is a worthwhile investment.
Things to Do
The Star in Frisco is the Dallas Cowboys world headquarters and practice facility, featuring restaurants, retail, and an event space. The PGA of America’s headquarters includes the PGA Frisco complex with two championship golf courses designed by Gil Hanse and Beau Welling, a short-course, and the Omni PGA Frisco Resort.
Riders Field hosts the Frisco RoughRiders minor league baseball team. The National Soccer Hall of Fame is here. Toyota Stadium hosts FC Dallas MLS games. For a city this size, the concentration of professional sports facilities is remarkable.
Frisco Square provides a town center with restaurants and community events. Stonebriar Centre is a major shopping mall. The Museum of the American Railroad and the National Videogame Museum add unique attractions.
Dining spans a wide range, from upscale steakhouses and sushi to authentic Mexican and Asian restaurants. The craft brewery scene is developing. See our Texas state guide.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Frisco
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top-rated school district | High property taxes |
| Major corporate employers locally | Entirely car-dependent |
| No state income tax | Rapid growth straining roads |
| Professional sports facilities | Higher home prices than DFW average |
| Newest housing stock in DFW | Can feel corporate and homogeneous |
| Very safe | Hailstorm and tornado risk |
Setting Up Utilities in Frisco
Getting utilities connected should be one of your first tasks after securing housing. Frisco residents typically set up the following services, and scheduling activation 1-2 weeks before your move-in date prevents gaps in service.
| Utility | Provider | Avg. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Oncor (choose retail provider) | $150 |
| Gas | Atmos Energy | $45 |
| Water/Sewer | City of Frisco Water | $60 |
| Internet | AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier | $60-85 |
Frisco is in the deregulated Texas market. Shop PowerToChoose.org for the best rates. City water requires a $150 deposit. Frisco’s newer homes tend to be energy-efficient, which helps offset high summer cooling costs. Budget $350-500 per month for total utility costs when calculating your housing affordability. Renters should confirm which utilities are included in their lease before signing.
Moving Cost Estimates for Frisco
Moving costs to Frisco depend on distance, volume, and timing. Summer months (June through August) are peak season with rates 20-30% higher than winter moves. Get at least three quotes from licensed movers and verify USDOT numbers for interstate moves.
| Move Type | Estimated Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Local move (under 50 mi) | $900-1,500 | 2-3 bedroom home, 2-person crew, 4-6 hours |
| Regional move (200-500 mi) | $2,000-4,000 | Varies by weight and access difficulty |
| Cross-country move (1,000+ mi) | $3,500-6,500 | Full-service, 3-4 bedroom home |
| DIY truck rental | $800-2,500 | Plus fuel, insurance, and loading help |
Factor in closing costs if you are buying a home in Texas. First-month rent, security deposit, and utility deposits add another $2,000-4,000 to your initial settling-in budget. Review our Texas real estate guide for more on local housing costs and market conditions.
FAQ
Why is Frisco so expensive compared to nearby cities?
Frisco’s premium comes from top-rated Frisco ISD schools, master-planned communities with extensive amenities, the $5 Billion Mile entertainment corridor, and a newer housing stock. Corporate relocations (PGA of America, several tech firms) have driven up demand. Expect to pay 15-25% more than comparable homes in McKinney or Allen.
What is the $5 Billion Mile?
The $5 Billion Mile is a stretch along the Dallas North Tollway in Frisco that includes major developments: Toyota Stadium (FC Dallas), PGA of America headquarters, Stonebriar Centre mall, The Star (Dallas Cowboys HQ), and several mixed-use projects. It is the city’s economic and entertainment core, and proximity to it affects property values.
Is Frisco worth the premium over McKinney or Allen?
For schools and newer amenities, many families say yes. Frisco ISD’s reputation drives demand. McKinney offers a better downtown with more character. Allen provides slightly lower prices with strong schools. The differences are real but incremental. Visit all three before deciding. Read our buying a home for comparison tips.
How fast is Frisco growing?
Very fast. The city has added over 10,000 residents annually in recent years. New schools, roads, and commercial development are constant. This means new amenities but also construction, traffic disruptions, and evolving neighborhood character. Northern Frisco is still actively being built out.
What is the $5 Billion Mile?
A stretch of the Dallas North Tollway in Frisco containing over $5 billion in development, including The Star (Cowboys), PGA Frisco, Frisco Station (mixed-use tech campus), and surrounding retail and residential. It is the economic engine and identity-defining corridor of the city.
Are property taxes really that high?
Yes. Collin County property taxes averaging 2% to 2.2% are among the highest in Texas. On a $530,000 home, you are paying $10,600+ annually in property taxes alone. This compensates for no state income tax but is a shock for newcomers from low-property-tax states. Factor this into your affordability calculations with our budget calculator.
Is there anything besides chains and suburbs?
Frisco is predominantly suburban and corporate, which some find boring. Independent restaurants, craft breweries, and cultural events are growing but limited compared to Dallas or even Plano’s diversity. The PGA resort and sports venues add entertainment. For urban character, Dallas’s Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts are 35 to 45 minutes south. Check home services for new home setup needs.
Can I commute to downtown Dallas?
Via the Dallas North Tollway, expect 40 to 60 minutes during rush hour. US-75 from neighboring Plano is an alternative. There is no rail option. Some commuters use the DART park-and-ride in Plano to catch the rail south. Hybrid work schedules make the commute manageable for many. Visit our renting resources to test commute times before buying.
Schools and Education in Frisco
Frisco has a mix of public and private school options. The main public school district serves most of the city, with ratings that vary by neighborhood. Families moving with school-age children should check specific school ratings on GreatSchools.org before choosing a neighborhood. Several charter and magnet school options exist for specialized education.
Higher education options include community colleges and state university campuses within commuting distance. For families, the proximity of good schools directly affects home values — neighborhoods zoned for top-rated schools typically command a 5-15% price premium. Check our buying a home for tips on evaluating school districts during your search.
Healthcare in Frisco
Frisco has multiple hospital systems and urgent care facilities. The major medical centers provide detailed care including emergency services, specialty clinics, and outpatient surgery centers. Health insurance premiums in Texas run roughly in line with the national average, though costs vary by plan and employer.
If you’re moving from out of state, verify that your current healthcare providers are in-network for Texas plans, or plan to switch providers after your move. The city also has a growing number of walk-in clinics and telehealth options for routine care.
Safety and Neighborhoods to Know
Like any city, Frisco has safer areas and neighborhoods that need more caution. Overall crime rates vary significantly by ZIP code. The neighborhoods highlighted in our first-time buyer guide tend to be among the safer options. Local police departments publish crime maps online — check these before signing a lease or making an offer.
Gated communities and newer subdivisions generally have lower property crime rates. Downtown and entertainment districts may see higher incidents but are typically safe during daytime hours. Talk to residents in any neighborhood you’re considering — they’ll give you the most honest assessment of day-to-day safety.
Getting Settled: First 30 Days
After your move, prioritize these tasks in your first month: update your driver’s license and vehicle registration (most states require this within 30-90 days), register to vote, set up utilities and internet, find a primary care doctor, and explore your neighborhood on foot. Join local Facebook groups or Nextdoor for community recommendations on everything from restaurants to plumbers.
Use our home services directory to find vetted contractors for any move-in repairs, and run the numbers on your new mortgage payment with the mortgage calculator. If you’re still renting while you look to buy, our see how much you can buy will help you set a realistic budget based on Frisco prices.