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Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ 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.

5.0% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
15.1% 15.1% cheaper housing
3.1% 3.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 15.1% cheaper
Phoenix
106
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries 3.1% cheaper
Phoenix
98
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation 3.0% cheaper
Phoenix
101
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Phoenix
95
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities 4.6% cheaper
Phoenix
108
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Phoenix, AZ Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index100955.0% less
Housing1069015.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,280$1,2502.3% less
Median Home Price$370,000$300,00018.9% less
Groceries98953.1% less
Transportation101983.0% less
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities1081034.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Phoenix, AZ Fort Worth, TX
State Income Tax2.50%None (0%)
State Sales Tax5.60%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Phoenix, AZ
$68,000
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 Phoenix lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Phoenix (100) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Phoenix3.9%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Phoenix3.3%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
PhoenixTech, Healthcare, Finance
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Phoenix27 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Phoenix38
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Phoenix58
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Phoenix75°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Phoenix1,624,569
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Phoenix to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Phoenix 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Phoenix 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 15.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Phoenix vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,280/month in Phoenix and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $30 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Phoenix or Fort Worth?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Phoenix to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Phoenix is $68,000 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 Phoenix vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Phoenix is $370,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Texas averages 1.60%.