2026 Compare Cities Overview:
Normal, IL vs Plano, TX

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Highlights
Are people in Plano older or younger than people in Normal?
- The Median Age in Plano is 13.7 years older than in Normal.

Are housing costs cheaper in Plano or Normal?
- Plano housing costs are 134.9% more expensive than Normal housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Plano or Normal?
- The average commute for residents of Plano is 8.7 minutes longer than it is for residents of Normal.

Things to do in Normal?
Normal, Illinois is a vibrant city located in McLean County, just north of Bloomington-Normal. It is home to Illinois State University and has a bustling downtown area with numerous shops, restaurants, and businesses. Normal is a major hub in the region for healthcare, finance and education opportunities. There are abundant recreational options including natural areas, parks and trails that offer plenty of outdoor activities. A variety of cultural amenities are also available such as theater performances, festivals, art galleries and other entertainment venues that give residents something to do in their spare time. Normal is truly a wonderful place where people can come together to work, play, learn and live!

Things to do in Plano?
Plano, Texas is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone. Shopaholics can explore The Shops at Legacy, an outdoor shopping and entertainment district with plenty of food, fun and local stores. Art enthusiasts can check out the IKEA Performing Arts Center or enjoy a day at the Interurban Railway Museum. Nature lovers can explore nearby parks like Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve or take in views of stunning lakes and rivers. With its great attractions, beautiful scenery and endless opportunities for adventure, there's no telling what you'll find in Plano!

 Normal, ILPlano, TXUnited States
 Population  Unlock282,181329,725,481
 Median Income$58,564  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock38.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$209,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.8  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Normal    5 Reviews

While not a perfect town by any stretch of the imagination, I have lived in Normal my entire life and I have to say that there are FAR worse places one could live. The  More

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Over 17 years ago

I would like to know more about the quality of education at Illinois State  More

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With relatively low crime, good schools and excellent access to higher education, Normal is a great place to raise a family. The city is trying to update its city center  More

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Reviews for Plano    42 Reviews

I had lived in Plano for over 30 years. It is where I bought my first home as a single woman, where I married, and where I raised my children. I was fortunate enough  More

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We have lived in Plano for 20 years. It has been consistently rated very highly in surveys of best places to live in the US. Pros are the parks system; which includes  More

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Over 5 years ago

I've lived here for a while now. It's wonderful here. There's a ton to do, great jobs, great parks, and pretty good school. It's the perfect  More

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