Fort Worth vs Phoenix
Cost of Living (2026)

Fort Worth is 8% less expensive than Phoenix. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Arizona's 2.5%.

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At a glance

Fort Worth, TX

COL index93 ✓
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,280/mo ✓
Median home price$315K ✓
VS

Phoenix, AZ

COL index100
State income tax2.5%
Avg 1BR rent$1,450/mo
Median home price$395K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryFort Worth indexPhoenix indexDifference
Housing121 ✓130+9%
Groceries89 ✓95+6%
Transportation90 ✓96+6%
Healthcare90 ✓97+7%
Utilities91 ✓96+5%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Fort Worth → Phoenix

What salary in Phoenix gives you the same purchasing power as your Fort Worth salary?

Salary in Fort WorthEquivalent in PhoenixDifference
$60,000$67,000+$7,000
$80,000$89,000+$9,000
$100,000$111,000+$11,000
$130,000$145,000+$15,000
$150,000$167,000+$17,000
$200,000$223,000+$23,000

Fort Worth vs Phoenix: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Fort Worth, TX and Phoenix, AZ, Fort Worth comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 93 versus 100 for Phoenix — a difference of approximately 8%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Fort Worth workers an immediate 2.5% take-home pay advantage over Phoenix workers who pay Arizona's 2.5% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Fort Worth is $315,000, compared to $395,000 in Phoenix. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,280/month in Fort Worth versus $1,450/month in Phoenix.

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