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Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

26.9% Fort Worth, TX is cheaper overall
44.4% 44.4% cheaper housing
12.0% 12.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 44.4% cheaper
Washington
162
Fort Worth
90
🛒 Groceries 12.0% cheaper
Washington
108
Fort Worth
95
🚗 Transportation 19.7% cheaper
Washington
122
Fort Worth
98
🏥 Healthcare 12.7% cheaper
Washington
110
Fort Worth
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Washington
105
Fort Worth
103

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC Fort Worth, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1309526.9% less
Housing1629044.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$1,25043.2% less
Median Home Price$620,000$300,00051.6% less
Groceries1089512.0% less
Transportation1229819.7% less
Healthcare1109612.7% less
Utilities105103~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC Fort Worth, TX
State Income Tax10.75% (top)None (0%)
State Sales Tax6.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs Fort Worth (95). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
Fort Worth3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
Fort Worth3.0%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
Fort Worth27 min
Walk Score
Washington77
Fort Worth32
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
Fort Worth47
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
Fort Worth65°F
Population
Washington689,545
Fort Worth978,468

Moving from Washington to Fort Worth?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington 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 44.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs Fort Worth?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $1,250/month in Fort Worth — a difference of about $950 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or Fort Worth?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) 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 Washington to Fort Worth?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs Fort Worth?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $300,000 in Fort Worth — a difference of $320,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while Texas averages 1.60%.