Fort Worth's 2026 cost of living is $2529 per month for singles and $5569 per month for families of four.
Living costs in Fort Worth are 2% higher than the U.S. national average and 131% lower than Texas's state average.
This reflects a 2% increase from 2025.
The primary drivers of Fort Worth's cost of living are soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices.
See how Fort Worth's cost of living affects your budget or salary needs with Salary.com's free Cost of Living Calculator.
Cost of Living Calculator
How does Fort Worth's cost of living compare to the national average in 2026?
Living in Fort Worth is more expensive than the national average,
with housing costs 12.3 % lower at $1052
per month for a single person and $1929 per month for a family of four.
Food expenses run 3.2 %
below average at $387
monthly for an individual and $1259 for a family,
while energy, transportation and healthcare costs are 3.7 % lower at about $843 per month
for one person and $1866 for a household.
These costs bring the total monthly expenses to $2282
for a single person and $5054 for a family of four,
making Fort Worth one of America's most expensive cities.
How does the cost of living compare when moving from other major cities to Fort Worth?
Fort Worth's 2025 cost of living is 85% lower than San Francisco,
40% less than Washington, 15% below Miami
, 10% lower than Chicago, 50% less than Boston
, and 71% below New York.
Essential for evaluating relocation costs and salary needs in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth is located in North Texas, and has a generally humid subtropical climate. It is part of the Cross Timbers region; this region is a boundary between the more heavily forested eastern parts and the rolling hills and prairies of the central part. Specifically, the city is part of the Grand Prairie ecoregion within the Cross Timbers. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 349.2 square miles (904 km2), of which 342.2 square miles (886 km2) is land and 7.0 square miles (18 km2) is covered by water. It is a principal city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropl...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia
Comments about the cost of living in Fort Worth, TX
I love to be able to eat at restaurants and try different foods, if I include that along with groceries in my overall cost of living, how would I do in Fort Worth, TX?
In Fort Worth, Texas going out to eat at a restaurant and buying food is considered to be affordable. Make sure you take this into account as you plan your overall cost of living in Fort Worth, TX. (2026-07-27salary.com)
I love to go to sports events, what does Fort Worth, Texas have to offer?
Fort Worth, TX does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. (2026-07-27salary.com)
What is the cost of internet and cable TV in Fort Worth, TX?
The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. (2026-07-27salary.com)
I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?
Even if you are moving within your current state, the cost of moving could be over $1,000 depending on the city, what you are moving, and how much professional help you hire. You can save some expense by packing boxes yourself, renting a U-Haul truck, and asking friends and family to help with the loading and unloading. You should call at least three moving companies for a moving estimate, the cost might be less than you think and you won’t have to worry about a friend hurting their back trying to move your heavy furniture. Another way to make your move easier – and save money – is by weeding out items you don’t need anymore. Why bother to move stuff that you do not even use! Have a yard sale or find a local charitable organization and donate items you no longer use. Make sure you include these moving costs into the overall cost of living for year one in Fort Worth, TX. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Is the cost of electricity in Fort Worth, Texas expected to change in the future?
The cost of electricity in Texas has gone up by 1.883% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. (2026-07-27salary.com)
What kind of child care is available in Fort Worth, Texas and what is the cost?
The estimated average annual cost for child care in Fort Worth, Texas (based on state average), is $8759. This cost is ranked NO. 31 nationally. Some employers have company provided day care centers that let you bring your child to work with you and receive care on site. Some colleges and universities with Childhood Education programs also may have day care centers available at reduced costs, so you should explore those possibilities to see if you can reduce your child care expense. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Should I plan on spending a lot on rent in Fort Worth,TX?
In Fort Worth,TX, my friend pays $1144 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Are there fun things to in Fort Worth, Texas that are free or don’t cost a lot?
Looks for areas of Fort Worth, Texas where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Fort Worth, TX to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Will I have to pay a lot in taxes if I move to Fort Worth, Texas?
The sales tax for Fort Worth is 6.25%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. (2026-07-27salary.com)
I hate to drive in traffic, does Fort Worth have traffic problems?
Overall, the time and ease of your driving times will impact your cost of living, since driving in heavy and slow moving traffic uses a lot of gas. Fort Worth, Texas is considered one of the best cities to drive in. In fact, Fort Worth, Texas is ranked 16 out of 100 US cities for ease of driving. Driving here could make commutes shorter and inexpensive, since you won’t be wasting gas and time sitting a traffic all the time. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Does Fort Worth, Texas have a good climate?
The weather in Fort Worth is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Fort Worth is considered to have one of the most favorable climates in the country based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. You will enjoy living in Fort Worth, Texas. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Can you save money using public transport?
You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. This could translate into significant reduction in your cost of living. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?
In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family.
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What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?
The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison.
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The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly.
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Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
