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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

12.0% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
18.2% 18.2% cheaper housing
10.4% 10.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.2% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries 10.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation 12.5% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare 8.6% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities 4.6% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1089512.0% less
Housing1109018.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,25016.7% less
Median Home Price$280,000$300,0007.1% more
Groceries1069510.4% less
Transportation1129812.5% less
Healthcare105968.6% less
Utilities1081034.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA Fort Worth, TX
State Income Tax3.07%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
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 Philadelphia lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Philadelphia to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia 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 18.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or Fort Worth?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $20,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Texas averages 1.60%.