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Cost of Living: Dallas, 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.

6.9% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
16.7% 16.7% cheaper housing
2.1% 2.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 16.7% cheaper
Dallas
108
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries 2.1% cheaper
Dallas
97
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation 3.0% cheaper
Dallas
101
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Dallas
98
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Dallas
104
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Dallas, TX Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index102956.9% less
Housing1089016.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,400$1,25010.7% less
Median Home Price$340,000$300,00011.8% less
Groceries97952.1% less
Transportation101983.0% less
Healthcare9896~Same
Utilities104103~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Dallas, 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

Dallas, TX
$72,000
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 Dallas lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Dallas (102) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Dallas3.8%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Dallas3.4%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Dallas28 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Dallas46
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Dallas48
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Dallas66°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Dallas1,288,457
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Dallas to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Dallas 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dallas 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 16.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Dallas vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,400/month in Dallas and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Dallas 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 Dallas to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Dallas is $72,000 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 Dallas vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Dallas is $340,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Texas averages 1.60%.