Moving from Gilbert, AZ to Plano, TX
The drive from Gilbert, AZ to Plano, TX runs 1070 mi β about 18h 22m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1070 mi Β· 18h 22m by car Β· TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 20, PGBT |
| Major cities en route | Garland, Mckinney, Mesquite, Richardson, Allen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gilbert | Plano | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Plano and Gilbert are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.316 vs 103.09); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.2% lower in Plano than Gilbert as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Gilbert -1.2%, Plano -5.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gilbert | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 41.9" |
Climate cools by 5.6Β°F on the annual average β 71.4Β°F β 65.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gilbert | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 271,118 | 287,339 |
| Median household income | $121,351 | $108,649 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 39.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 35.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.6 |
Income steps down 0.2%: $121,351 in Gilbert vs $108,649 in Plano.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Plano MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Plano average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Plano, TX from Gilbert, AZ?
The driving distance is 1070 mi and the route typically takes 18h 22m via I 10 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Plano compare to Gilbert?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Plano MSA vs $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Plano compared to Gilbert?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $498,989 in Plano vs $572,507 in Gilbert β a 12.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Gilbert vs Plano?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $108,649 in Plano vs $121,351 in Gilbert β a 10.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Plano more expensive than Gilbert?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Plano is 0.2% lower than Gilbert (103.09 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Gilbert to Plano?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1070 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gilbert.
City profiles: Gilbert, AZ Β· Plano, TX.