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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Fort Worth and Arlington have a similar cost of living.

$1,412/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↓ 2%
$76,602/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↓ 4%
$277,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$276,400 ≈ Same
$1,489/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↓ 5%
941,311
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,083/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Arlington — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Arlington?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Arlington?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $3,083/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Worth details → View Arlington details →

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