Is Fort Worth, TX cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Fort Worth, TX is 1.9% cheaper than Austin, TX. This translates to saving $146 per month.

What salary do I need in Fort Worth, TX to live like I do in Austin, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $148,252.427 in Fort Worth, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, TX and Fort Worth, TX?

Housing in Fort Worth, TX is 17.1% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,620/month in Fort Worth, TX compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, TX to Fort Worth, TX?

Moving from Austin, TX to Fort Worth, TX could save you approximately $146 per month, or $1748 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Austin, TX vs Fort Worth, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $146/month moving to Fort Worth, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.3K in Fort Worth, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$146

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$558K

Fort Worth, TX

Population:919K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$263K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Fort Worth, TX

The Lone Star State

919K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 919K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Fort Worth, TX

Category	Austin, TX	Fort Worth, TX	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,885/mo	$2,391/mo	↓ $494less	17.1%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$632/mo	↑ $43.37more	7.4%
Other	$1,741/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $33.48more	1.9%
All Utilities	$541/mo	$563/mo	↑ $21.86more	4.0%
Groceries	$959/mo	$979/mo	↑ $19.99more	2.1%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,298/mo	↑ $13.66more	1.1%

Housing

↓ 17.1%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Fort Worth, TX

$2,391

Difference

$494

less

Healthcare

↑ 7.4%

Austin, TX

$589

Fort Worth, TX

$632

Difference

$43.37

Other

↑ 1.9%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Fort Worth, TX

$1,774

Difference

$33.48

All Utilities

↑ 4.0%

Austin, TX

$541

Fort Worth, TX

$563

Difference

$21.86

Groceries

↑ 2.1%

Austin, TX

$959

Fort Worth, TX

$979

Difference

$19.99

Transportation

↑ 1.1%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Fort Worth, TX

$1,298

Difference

$13.66

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,340

↓ $245

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,390

↓ $295

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,620

↓ $375

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$2,140

↓ $385

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Fort Worth, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,170–$2,210/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$7,637

Monthly in Fort Worth, TX

$361

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Fort Worth

$558K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.7%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.5%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$161K - $673K

Homes in Fort Worth are 53% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Fort Worth

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Fort Worth, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Fort Worth, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.