Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Fort Worth is 20% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,412/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 10%
$76,602/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 6%
$277,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 57%
$1,489/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 10%
941,311
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $4,487/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Fort Worth residents a significant tax advantage over Michigan's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $4,487/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Michigan?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Worth details → View Ann Arbor details →

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