Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A physician assistant in Plano earns roughly $126,010/yr (~$7,387/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,400/mo — that's 19% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
TX · 2026
Can a Physician Assistant Afford to Live in Plano?
Using local salary estimates and Plano's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a physician assistant in Plano, TX in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$126,010/yr local estimate
$10,501
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
None state income tax
-$3,114
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$7,387
1BR rent
19% of take-home
-$1,400
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$155
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$310
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$5,172
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a physician assistant in Plano could save roughly $24,828/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 19% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 19% of take-home pay, a physician assistant in Plano is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
No state income tax in TX meaningfully helps. A physician assistant earning $126,010/yr saves roughly $5,670/year compared to a 4.5% state income tax state — that's equivalent to one month of rent.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $126,010/yr — adjusted from the national Physician Assistant median of $126,010/yr based on Plano's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Plano for a Physician Assistant
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
Downtown Plano / Legacy District
Being redeveloped with new lofts and shops. Walkable core (Walk Score 68). $1,500-1,800/month 1BR. Younger professionals. Still under-construction vibe.
Central Plano
Established, tree-lined, family-friendly. Parks and pools. Homes $450-600K. Schools are top-rated. 5-10 minute drive to downtown. Middle to upper-middle class.
North Plano
Newer suburbs (1990s-2000s). Subdivisions with HOAs and playgrounds. Homes $425-550K. Schools are good. 15-20 minute drive to downtown. Families with young kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in Plano?
A Physician Assistant in Plano earns approximately $126,010 per year, based on the national BLS median of $126,010/yr adjusted for Plano's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Plano affordable for a physician assistant in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 19% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A physician assistant can live comfortably in Plano with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Physician Assistant get in Plano?
After federal taxes, no state income tax, and FICA, a Physician Assistant earning $126,010/yr takes home roughly $7,387/month in Plano.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Physician Assistant in Plano?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Plano costs a median of $1,400/month. On a Physician Assistant salary, that's 19% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.