Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Fort Worth, TX (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Fort Worth

Texas
97

Austin is 38% more expensive than Fort Worth.

$1,655/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 15%
$91,461/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$76,602/yr ↓ 16%
$512,700 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$277,300 ↓ 46%
$1,747/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,489/mo ↓ 15%
967,862
Population
941,311

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Fort Worth, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 97 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $14,859/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $277,300 in Fort Worth.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Fort Worth — common questions

Is Austin or Fort Worth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Fort Worth?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Fort Worth it's $1,412/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Fort Worth?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $76,602 in Fort Worth. Median household income is $14,859/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Fort Worth?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Fort Worth details →

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