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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Fort Worth, TX

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

7.8% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
23.7% 23.7% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 23.7% cheaper
Austin
118
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Austin
96
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Austin
97
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities 4.0% more
Austin
99
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index103957.8% less
Housing1189023.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,25013.8% less
Median Home Price$425,000$300,00029.4% less
Groceries9695~Same
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare9796~Same
Utilities991034.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Fort Worth, TX
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Fort Worth, TX
$68,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Fort Worth costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Fort Worth to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Austin979,882
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Austin to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Fort Worth → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Fort Worth →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Fort Worth vs Portland → Fort Worth vs Phoenix → Fort Worth vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Fort Worth cheaper to live in?+
Fort Worth is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 23.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Fort Worth?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $68,000 in Fort Worth. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $125,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Texas averages 1.60%.