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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Fort Worth is 17% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,412/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 6%
$76,602/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 5%
$277,300 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 25%
$1,489/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 16%
941,311
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $3,572/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Odessa — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa 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 Odessa?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Odessa?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $3,572/year higher in Fort Worth.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Texas?
Both cities are in Texas and share the same state tax rates: 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Worth details → View Odessa details →

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