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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA 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.

30.1% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
49.4% 49.4% cheaper housing
13.6% 13.6% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 49.4% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries 13.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation 21.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare 14.3% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Los Angeles
105
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1369530.1% less
Housing1789049.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,25050.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$300,00065.9% less
Groceries1109513.6% less
Transportation1259821.6% less
Healthcare1129614.3% less
Utilities105103~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Fort Worth, TX
State Income Tax13.30% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax7.25%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
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 Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Los Angeles to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles vs Austin → Los Angeles vs Denver → Los Angeles vs Nashville → Fort Worth vs Raleigh → Fort Worth vs Portland → Fort Worth vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or Fort Worth cheaper to live in?+
Fort Worth is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 49.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $1,250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Fort Worth?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 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 Los Angeles vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $580,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Texas averages 1.60%.