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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Memphis

Tennessee
68

Fort Worth is 43% more expensive than Memphis.

$1,412/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,123/mo ↓ 20%
$76,602/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$51,211/yr ↓ 33%
$277,300 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$157,100 ↓ 43%
$1,489/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,087/mo ↓ 27%
941,311
Population
629,063

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Memphis, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $25,391/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $157,100 in Memphis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Memphis — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Memphis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Memphis?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Memphis it's $1,123/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Memphis?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $51,211 in Memphis. Median household income is $25,391/year higher in Fort Worth.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Tennessee?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Memphis?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Memphis has a cost index of 68 with rent of $1,123/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Worth details → View Memphis details →

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