Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Fort Worth, TX (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Fort Worth

Texas
97

Los Angeles is 93% more expensive than Fort Worth.

$1,879/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 25%
$80,366/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$76,602/yr ↓ 5%
$879,500 ↑ 217%
Home Value
$277,300 ↓ 68%
$2,055/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,489/mo ↓ 28%
3,857,897
Population
941,311

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Fort Worth, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 97 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $467/month cheaper in Fort Worth, saving renters about $5,604/year.

Median household income is $3,764/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $277,300 in Fort Worth.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Fort Worth residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Fort Worth — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Fort Worth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Fort Worth?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Fort Worth it's $1,412/month — a difference of $467/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Fort Worth?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $76,602 in Fort Worth. Median household income is $3,764/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Fort Worth?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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.
View Los Angeles details → View Fort Worth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Fort Worth

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