Home › Compare › Boston, MA vs Fort Worth, TX

Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

29.6% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
47.7% 47.7% cheaper housing
13.6% 13.6% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 47.7% cheaper
Boston
172
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries 13.6% cheaper
Boston
110
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
Boston
118
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare 16.5% cheaper
Boston
115
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities 8.0% cheaper
Boston
112
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1359529.6% less
Housing1729047.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,25051.9% less
Median Home Price$700,000$300,00057.1% less
Groceries1109513.6% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare1159616.5% less
Utilities1121038.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Fort Worth, TX
State Income Tax9.00% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Boston675,647
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Boston to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston 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 47.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $1,350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Fort Worth?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) 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 Boston to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $400,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Texas averages 1.60%.