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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Fort Worth is 28% cheaper than Cary.

$1,412/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 15%
$76,602/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 69%
$277,300 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 89%
$1,489/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 17%
941,311
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $52,797/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Fort Worth residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Cary — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Cary?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Cary?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $52,797/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Worth details → View Cary details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Worth and Cary

Fort Worth vs. Jacksonville Fort Worth vs. Columbus Fort Worth vs. Austin Fort Worth vs. Charlotte Fort Worth vs. San Jose Fort Worth vs. Indianapolis Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside