A+
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
6%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Fort Worth Texas National
Cost of living10394100
Groceries10398100
Health care10298100
Housing10683100
Transportation9898100
Utilities108103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9998100
Household Items10198100
Education & Childcare9998100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fort Worth, TX

The cost of living in Fort Worth affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Fort Worth is 103, which is 3% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

In Fort Worth, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Fort Worth will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Fort Worth?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 21 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Fort Worth. The feedback revealed that 48% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 52% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Fort Worth Affordable?

Wondering if Fort Worth is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Fort Worth, for example, the median home price is 2.8% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 15% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Fort Worth boasting a median household income of $96,744, which is 18.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fort Worth?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Fort Worth, the groceries index registers 2.9% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Fort Worth, the transportation index is 1.6% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Fort Worth, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.25%, and income tax rates start at 0%.

Where is the Data From?

The Fort Worth cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fort Worth is 9% higher than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Fort Worth is 3% higher than the national average
  • Fort Worth housing is 6% higher than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Fort Worth

See all the best places to live around Fort Worth

Compare Fort Worth, TX Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$127,214$10,601$2,968$3,817
      Renters$66,998$5,583$1,563$2,010
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Fort Worth, TX, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Fort Worth, homeowners have a median income of $127,214. Using that number, a maximum of $2,968 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $66,998, which means there is a maximum of $1,563 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lakeside town (San Patricio County), TX3168515.0%
      Pelican Bay, TX1,6578812.1%
      Sansom Park, TX5,730919.4%
      Everman, TX6,422909.9%
      Forest Hill, TX13,444955.2%
      Fort Worth, TX926,3711032.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Jacksonville, FL934,7521088.0%
      Columbus, OH914,920973.5%
      Charlotte, NC903,22811010.2%
      Indianapolis, IN899,521936.6%
      San Francisco, CA898,133245145.5%
      Fort Worth, TX926,3711032.9%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.