Home › Compare › Salt Lake City, UT vs Fort Worth, TX

Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT 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.

9.5% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
25.0% 25.0% 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 25.0% cheaper
Salt Lake City
120
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries 3.1% cheaper
Salt Lake City
98
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Salt Lake City
100
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Salt Lake City
96
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities 17.0% more
Salt Lake City
88
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Salt Lake City, UT Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index105959.5% less
Housing1209025.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,2507.4% less
Median Home Price$475,000$300,00036.8% less
Groceries98953.1% less
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities8810317.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Salt Lake City, UT Fort Worth, TX
State Income Tax4.65%None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.10%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.52%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Salt Lake City, UT
$73,000
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 Salt Lake City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Salt Lake City (105) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Salt Lake City2.9%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Salt Lake City3.7%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
Salt Lake CityTech, Finance, Outdoor Rec
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Salt Lake City22 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Salt Lake City57
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Salt Lake City55
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Salt Lake City52°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Salt Lake City204,657
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Salt Lake City to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 25.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Salt Lake City vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Salt Lake City and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Salt Lake City or Fort Worth?+
Utah has a state income tax of 4.65% and sales tax of 6.10%. 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 Salt Lake City to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $73,000 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 Salt Lake City vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Salt Lake City is $475,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $175,000. Property tax rates also differ: Utah averages 0.52% while Texas averages 1.60%.