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Cost of Living: San Francisco, 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.

35.8% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
57.1% 57.1% cheaper housing
17.4% 17.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 57.1% cheaper
San Francisco
210
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries 17.4% cheaper
San Francisco
115
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation 23.4% cheaper
San Francisco
128
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare 18.6% cheaper
San Francisco
118
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities 4.6% cheaper
San Francisco
108
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Francisco, CA Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1489535.8% less
Housing2109057.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$3,000$1,25058.3% less
Median Home Price$1,250,000$300,00076.0% less
Groceries1159517.4% less
Transportation1289823.4% less
Healthcare1189618.6% less
Utilities1081034.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Francisco, 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

San Francisco, CA
$130,000
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 San Francisco lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Francisco (148) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Francisco3.8%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Francisco3.2%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
San FranciscoTech, Biotech, Finance
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Francisco34 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
San Francisco87
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
San Francisco42
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
San Francisco57°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
San Francisco808,437
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from San Francisco to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 57.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Francisco vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,000/month in San Francisco and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $1,750 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in San Francisco is $130,000 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 San Francisco vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in San Francisco is $1,250,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $950,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Texas averages 1.60%.