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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL 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.

5.9% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
18.2% 18.2% cheaper housing
5.0% 5.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 18.2% cheaper
Tampa
110
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries 5.0% cheaper
Tampa
100
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Tampa
100
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Tampa
95
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Tampa
103
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index101955.9% less
Housing1109018.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,25013.8% less
Median Home Price$365,000$300,00017.8% less
Groceries100955.0% less
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities103103~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Fort Worth, TX
State Income TaxNone (0%)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$62,000
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 Tampa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Tampa to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tampa 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa 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 18.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Fort Worth?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Tampa to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 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 Tampa vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $65,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Texas averages 1.60%.