HomeCompare › Fort Worth, TX vs Sacramento, CA

Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Sacramento, CA

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

24.2% Sacramento, CA is more expensive overall
57.8% 57.8% more expensive housing
9.5% 9.5% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 57.8% more
Fort Worth
90
Sacramento
142
🛒 Groceries 9.5% more
Fort Worth
95
Sacramento
104
🚗 Transportation 14.3% more
Fort Worth
98
Sacramento
112
🏥 Healthcare 12.5% more
Fort Worth
96
Sacramento
108
⚡ Utilities 2.9% cheaper
Fort Worth
103
Sacramento
100

Detailed Breakdown

Category Fort Worth, TX Sacramento, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index9511824.2% more
Housing9014257.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,250$1,65032.0% more
Median Home Price$300,000$450,00050.0% more
Groceries951049.5% more
Transportation9811214.3% more
Healthcare9610812.5% more
Utilities1031002.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Fort Worth, TX Sacramento, CA
State Income TaxNone (0%)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Fort Worth, TX
$68,000
Median household income
Sacramento, CA
$78,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Sacramento costs more but median income is only slightly higher. 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 Sacramento to maintain your Fort Worth lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Fort Worth (95) vs Sacramento (118). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Fort Worth3.9%
Sacramento4.2%
Job Growth (YoY)
Fort Worth3.0%
Sacramento2.7%
Top Industries
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing
SacramentoGovernment, Healthcare, Agriculture

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Fort Worth27 min
Sacramento27 min
Walk Score
Fort Worth32
Sacramento44
Air Quality (AQI)
Fort Worth47
Sacramento50
Avg Temperature
Fort Worth65°F
Sacramento61°F
Population
Fort Worth978,468
Sacramento524,943

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fort Worth or Sacramento cheaper to live in?+
Fort Worth is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 57.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs Sacramento?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,250/month in Fort Worth and $1,650/month in Sacramento — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Fort Worth or Sacramento?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Fort Worth to Sacramento?+
Median household income in Fort Worth is $68,000 compared to $78,000 in Sacramento. 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 Sacramento?+
The median home price in Fort Worth is $300,000 versus $450,000 in Sacramento — a difference of $150,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while California averages 0.71%.