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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Fort Worth is 23% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,412/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 36%
$76,602/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 22%
$277,300 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 43%
$1,489/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 7%
941,311
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $505/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $6,060/year.

Median household income is $16,769/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Fort Worth residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Surprise — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Surprise?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $505/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Surprise?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $16,769/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Worth details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

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