Is Austin, TX cheaper than Fort Worth, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 2.0% more expensive than Fort Worth, TX. This translates to spending an extra $149 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Fort Worth, TX, you'd need approximately $151,782.178 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Austin, TX is 20.7% more expensive than in Fort Worth, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,620/month in Fort Worth, TX.

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

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $149 more per month than Fort Worth, TX, or $1782 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Fort Worth, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $149/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.8K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$149

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.8K

Per year

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

Fort Worth, TX

Population:919K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$263K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$558K

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!

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Worth, TX vs Austin, TX

Category	Fort Worth, TX	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $494more	20.7%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$589/mo	↓ $43.37less	6.9%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.9%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$541/mo	↓ $21.86less	3.9%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$959/mo	↓ $19.99less	2.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $13.66less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 20.7%

Fort Worth, TX

$2,391

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$494

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Fort Worth, TX

$632

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$43.37

less

📦Other

↓ 1.9%

Fort Worth, TX

$1,774

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$33.48

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.9%

Fort Worth, TX

$563

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$21.86

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.0%

Fort Worth, TX

$979

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$19.99

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.1%

Fort Worth, TX

$1,298

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$13.66

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,340

To$1,585

↑ $245

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,685

↑ $295

2 Bed

From$1,620

To$1,995

↑ $375

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$2,525

↑ $385

Fort Worth, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,170–$2,210/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,637

Monthly in Fort Worth, TX

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$361

Difference

Home Values

Fort Worth

Austin

$263K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +27.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$161K - $673K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 113% more expensive than Fort Worth

Calculate payment - Fort Worth Calculate payment - Austin

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Fort Worth, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Austin, 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.