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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Fort Worth is 8% cheaper than Durham.

$1,412/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ≈ Same
$76,602/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 3%
$277,300 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 28%
$1,489/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 4%
941,311
Population
288,465

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,632/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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 Durham — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Durham?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $0/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Durham?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $2,632/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Worth details → View Durham details →

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