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Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

15.2% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
31.8% 31.8% cheaper housing
5.9% 5.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 31.8% cheaper
Denver
132
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries 5.9% cheaper
Denver
101
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation 6.7% cheaper
Denver
105
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare 7.7% cheaper
Denver
104
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities 7.3% more
Denver
96
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1129515.2% less
Housing1329031.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,25022.8% less
Median Home Price$540,000$300,00044.4% less
Groceries101955.9% less
Transportation105986.7% less
Healthcare104967.7% less
Utilities961037.3% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Fort Worth, TX
State Income Tax4.40%None (0%)
State Sales Tax2.90%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
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 Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Denver713,252
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Denver to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Denver 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 31.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $370 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Fort Worth?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $240,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Texas averages 1.60%.