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Cost of Living: Columbus, OH 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.

2.2% Fort Worth, TX is more expensive overall
4.7% 4.7% more expensive 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 4.7% more
Columbus
86
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Columbus
96
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Columbus
98
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% more
Columbus
94
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities 8.4% more
Columbus
95
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Columbus, OH Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index93952.2% more
Housing86904.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,100$1,25013.6% more
Median Home Price$260,000$300,00015.4% more
Groceries9695~Same
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare94962.1% more
Utilities951038.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Columbus, OH Fort Worth, TX
State Income Tax3.50% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax5.75%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.41%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Columbus, OH
$64,000
Median household income
Fort Worth, TX
$68,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Fort Worth outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Columbus (93) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Columbus3.8%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Columbus2.8%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Columbus23 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Columbus41
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Columbus40
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Columbus52°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Columbus905,748
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Columbus to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Columbus 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Columbus or Fort Worth cheaper to live in?+
Columbus is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 4.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Columbus vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,100/month in Columbus and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Columbus or Fort Worth?+
Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Columbus to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Columbus is $64,000 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 Columbus vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Columbus is $260,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Ohio averages 1.41% while Texas averages 1.60%.