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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Fort Worth is 17% more expensive than Athens.

$1,412/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 18%
$76,602/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 33%
$277,300 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 2%
$1,489/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 22%
941,311
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $24,947/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Fort Worth residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Athens — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Athens?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Athens?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $24,947/year higher in Fort Worth.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Georgia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Worth details → View Athens details →

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