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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Fort Worth is 12% cheaper than Raleigh.

$1,412/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↑ 4%
$76,602/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↑ 8%
$277,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$377,800 ↑ 36%
$1,489/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ≈ Same
941,311
Population
470,763

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 Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $5,822/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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 Raleigh — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Raleigh?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Raleigh?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $5,822/year higher in Raleigh.
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 Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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