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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Fort Worth

Texas
97

Houston is 9% cheaper than Fort Worth.

$1,313/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 8%
$62,894/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$76,602/yr ↑ 22%
$253,400 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$277,300 ↑ 9%
$1,316/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,489/mo ↑ 13%
2,300,419
Population
941,311

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Fort Worth, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 97 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $13,708/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $277,300 in Fort Worth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Fort Worth — common questions

Is Houston or Fort Worth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Fort Worth?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Fort Worth it's $1,412/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Fort Worth?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $76,602 in Fort Worth. Median household income is $13,708/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 Houston or Fort Worth?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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