Home › Compare › Fort Worth, TX vs Memphis, TN

Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Memphis, TN

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

9.5% Memphis, TN is cheaper overall
22.2% 22.2% cheaper housing
3.2% 3.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 22.2% cheaper
Fort Worth
90
Memphis
70
🛒 Groceries 3.2% cheaper
Fort Worth
95
Memphis
92
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Fort Worth
98
Memphis
96
🏥 Healthcare 6.2% cheaper
Fort Worth
96
Memphis
90
⚡ Utilities 4.9% cheaper
Fort Worth
103
Memphis
98

Detailed Breakdown

Category Fort Worth, TX Memphis, TN Difference
Overall Cost Index95869.5% less
Housing907022.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,250$95024.0% less
Median Home Price$300,000$165,00045.0% less
Groceries95923.2% less
Transportation9896~Same
Healthcare96906.2% less
Utilities103984.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Fort Worth, TX Memphis, TN
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.25%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.56%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Fort Worth, TX
$68,000
Median household income
Memphis, TN
$48,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Memphis 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 Memphis to maintain your Fort Worth lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Fort Worth (95) vs Memphis (86). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Fort Worth3.9%
Memphis4.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Fort Worth3.0%
Memphis1.9%
Top Industries
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Fort Worth27 min
Memphis24 min
Walk Score
Fort Worth32
Memphis34
Air Quality (AQI)
Fort Worth47
Memphis44
Avg Temperature
Fort Worth65°F
Memphis63°F
Population
Fort Worth978,468
Memphis633,104

Moving from Fort Worth to Memphis?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Fort Worth and Memphis → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Memphis →

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fort Worth or Memphis cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 22.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs Memphis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,250/month in Fort Worth and $950/month in Memphis — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Fort Worth or Memphis?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Fort Worth to Memphis?+
Median household income in Fort Worth is $68,000 compared to $48,000 in Memphis. 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 Fort Worth vs Memphis?+
The median home price in Fort Worth is $300,000 versus $165,000 in Memphis — a difference of $135,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Tennessee averages 0.56%.