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Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN 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.

4.4% Fort Worth, TX is more expensive overall
12.5% 12.5% 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 12.5% more
Indianapolis
80
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Indianapolis
95
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Indianapolis
98
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Indianapolis
96
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities 6.2% more
Indianapolis
97
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Indianapolis, IN Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index91954.4% more
Housing809012.5% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,25019.0% more
Median Home Price$230,000$300,00030.4% more
Groceries9595~Same
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities971036.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Indianapolis, IN Fort Worth, TX
State Income Tax3.05%None (0%)
State Sales Tax7.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.75%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Indianapolis, IN
$60,000
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 Indianapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Indianapolis (91) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Indianapolis3.9%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Indianapolis2.6%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
IndianapolisPharma, Logistics, Motorsports
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Indianapolis24 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Indianapolis31
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Indianapolis42
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Indianapolis53°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Indianapolis887,642
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Indianapolis to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Indianapolis 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Indianapolis or Fort Worth cheaper to live in?+
Indianapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 12.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Indianapolis vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Indianapolis and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Indianapolis or Fort Worth?+
Indiana has a state income tax of 3.05% and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Indianapolis to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Indianapolis is $60,000 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 Indianapolis vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Indianapolis is $230,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Indiana averages 0.75% while Texas averages 1.60%.