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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Oakland

California
195

Fort Worth is 50% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,412/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 36%
$76,602/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 27%
$277,300 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 233%
$1,489/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 45%
941,311
Population
438,072

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $505/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $6,060/year.

Median household income is $20,767/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Fort Worth residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Oakland — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Oakland?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $505/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Oakland?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $20,767/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Worth details → View Oakland details →

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