Phoenix vs Fort Worth
Cost of Living (2026)

Fort Worth is 7% more affordable than Phoenix. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Arizona's 2.5%.

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At a glance

Phoenix, AZ

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

Fort Worth, TX

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

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryPhoenix indexFort Worth indexDifference
Housing130121 ✓-9%
Groceries9589 ✓-6%
Transportation9690 ✓-6%
Healthcare9790 ✓-7%
Utilities9691 ✓-5%

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

Salary equivalency: Phoenix → Fort Worth

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

Salary in PhoenixEquivalent in Fort WorthDifference
$60,000$54,000$-6,000
$80,000$72,000$-8,000
$100,000$90,000$-10,000
$130,000$117,000$-13,000
$150,000$135,000$-15,000
$200,000$179,000$-21,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Phoenix, AZ and Fort Worth, TX, Fort Worth comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 93 versus 100 for Phoenix — a difference of approximately 7%.

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

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