Home › Compare › Detroit, MI vs Fort Worth, TX

Cost of Living: Detroit, MI 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.

6.7% Fort Worth, TX is more expensive overall
32.4% 32.4% more expensive housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 32.4% more
Detroit
68
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Detroit
95
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation 3.9% cheaper
Detroit
102
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Detroit
96
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Detroit
104
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Detroit, MI Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index89956.7% more
Housing689032.4% more
Median 1BR Rent$900$1,25038.9% more
Median Home Price$85,000$300,000252.9% more
Groceries9595~Same
Transportation102983.9% less
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities104103~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Detroit, MI Fort Worth, TX
State Income Tax4.25%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.32%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Detroit, MI
$42,000
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 Detroit lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Detroit (89) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Detroit6.2%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Detroit1.5%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
DetroitAuto, Manufacturing, Healthcare
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Detroit27 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Detroit55
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Detroit44
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Detroit49°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Detroit639,111
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Detroit to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Detroit 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Detroit or Fort Worth cheaper to live in?+
Detroit is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 32.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Detroit vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $900/month in Detroit and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Detroit or Fort Worth?+
Michigan has a state income tax of 4.25% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Detroit to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Detroit is $42,000 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 Detroit vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Detroit is $85,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $215,000. Property tax rates also differ: Michigan averages 1.32% while Texas averages 1.60%.