Home › Compare › Raleigh, NC vs Fort Worth, TX

Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

3.1% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
13.5% 13.5% cheaper housing
2.1% 2.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 13.5% cheaper
Raleigh
104
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries 2.1% cheaper
Raleigh
97
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation 2.1% more
Raleigh
96
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Raleigh
100
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities 5.1% more
Raleigh
98
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index98953.1% less
Housing1049013.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,2507.4% less
Median Home Price$385,000$300,00022.1% less
Groceries97952.1% less
Transportation96982.1% more
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities981035.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Fort Worth, TX
State Income Tax4.50%None (0%)
State Sales Tax4.75%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
Median household income
Fort Worth, TX
$68,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Fort Worth costs more but median income is lower. 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 Fort Worth to maintain your Raleigh lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Raleigh to Fort Worth?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh 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 13.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Fort Worth?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Texas averages 1.60%.