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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Fort Worth is 19% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,412/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 15%
$76,602/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 1%
$277,300 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 52%
$1,489/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 4%
941,311
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $1,041/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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 Tempe — common questions

Is Fort Worth or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Worth and Tempe?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $211/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Tempe?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $1,041/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,412/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Worth details → View Tempe details →

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