Home › Compare › San Jose, CA vs Fort Worth, TX

Cost of Living: San Jose, 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.

36.7% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
58.1% 58.1% cheaper housing
15.2% 15.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 58.1% cheaper
San Jose
215
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries 15.2% cheaper
San Jose
112
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation 18.3% cheaper
San Jose
120
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare 17.2% cheaper
San Jose
116
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities 6.4% cheaper
San Jose
110
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category San Jose, CA Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1509536.7% less
Housing2159058.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,800$1,25055.4% less
Median Home Price$1,350,000$300,00077.8% less
Groceries1129515.2% less
Transportation1209818.3% less
Healthcare1169617.2% less
Utilities1101036.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type San Jose, 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 Jose, CA
$140,000
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 Jose lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: San Jose (150) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
San Jose3.5%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
San Jose3.5%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
San JoseTech, Hardware, SaaS
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
San Jose29 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
San Jose50
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
San Jose40
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
San Jose60°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
San Jose983,489
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from San Jose 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 Jose 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 Jose 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 58.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in San Jose vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,800/month in San Jose and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $1,550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, San Jose 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 Jose to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in San Jose is $140,000 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 Jose vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in San Jose is $1,350,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $1,050,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Texas averages 1.60%.