Home › Compare › Fort Worth, TX vs Mesa, AZ

Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Mesa, AZ

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

4.2% Mesa, AZ is more expensive overall
15.6% 15.6% more expensive housing
2.1% 2.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 15.6% more
Fort Worth
90
Mesa
104
🛒 Groceries 2.1% more
Fort Worth
95
Mesa
97
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Fort Worth
98
Mesa
100
🏥 Healthcare 2.1% cheaper
Fort Worth
96
Mesa
94
⚡ Utilities 2.9% more
Fort Worth
103
Mesa
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Fort Worth, TX Mesa, AZ Difference
Overall Cost Index95994.2% more
Housing9010415.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,250$1,250~Same
Median Home Price$300,000$365,00021.7% more
Groceries95972.1% more
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare96942.1% less
Utilities1031062.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Fort Worth, TX Mesa, AZ
State Income TaxNone (0%)2.50%
State Sales Tax6.25%5.60%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.51%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Fort Worth, TX
$68,000
Median household income
Mesa, AZ
$66,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Mesa 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 Mesa to maintain your Fort Worth lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Fort Worth (95) vs Mesa (99). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Fort Worth3.9%
Mesa3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Fort Worth3.0%
Mesa3.2%
Top Industries
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing
MesaAerospace, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Fort Worth27 min
Mesa26 min
Walk Score
Fort Worth32
Mesa32
Air Quality (AQI)
Fort Worth47
Mesa56
Avg Temperature
Fort Worth65°F
Mesa74°F
Population
Fort Worth978,468
Mesa504,258

Moving from Fort Worth to Mesa?

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Planning Your Move?

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

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fort Worth or Mesa cheaper to live in?+
Fort Worth is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 15.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs Mesa?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,250/month in Fort Worth and $1,250/month in Mesa — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Fort Worth or Mesa?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Mesa?+
Median household income in Fort Worth is $68,000 compared to $66,000 in Mesa. 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 Mesa?+
The median home price in Fort Worth is $300,000 versus $365,000 in Mesa — a difference of $65,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Arizona averages 0.51%.