Fort Worth vs Montgomery for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Fort Worth Texas | Montgomery Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,100 | $850Better |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,850 | $1,400Better |
| Median home price | $310K | $195KBetter |
| Median household income | $62KBetter | $44K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,183 | $1,053Better |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 5% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.3%Better | 9.2% |
| Monthly utilities | $180 | $170Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 96 | 93Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Fort Worth or Montgomery?
Fort Worth and Montgomery are closely matched for families overall. Housing costs, income levels, and taxes are comparable. Your specific priorities — school quality, commute, outdoor space — should drive the decision.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Fort Worth vs Montgomery?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,850/month in Fort Worth and $1,400/month in Montgomery. Montgomery is 24% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Fort Worth or Montgomery?
The price-to-income ratio in Fort Worth is 5.0× ($310K median home, $62K median income). In Montgomery it's 4.4× ($195K home, $44K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Montgomery is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Fort Worth vs Montgomery?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,183/month in Fort Worth and $1,053/month in Montgomery, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$1,560/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Fort Worth (Texas) has no state income tax vs Montgomery's 5% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $500/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Fort Worth has the same purchasing power as $89K in Montgomery
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026