Fort Worth vs Wilmington for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Fort Worth Texas | Wilmington North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,100Better | $1,250 |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,850Better | $2,050 |
| Median home price | $310KBetter | $340K |
| Median household income | $62KBetter | $57K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,183Better | $1,209 |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 4.5% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.3% | 7%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $180 | $158Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 96Better | 98 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Fort Worth or Wilmington?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Fort Worth scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,850/mo in Fort Worth vs $2,050/mo. Fort Worth is approximately 2% cheaper overall. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Fort Worth vs Wilmington?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,850/month in Fort Worth and $2,050/month in Wilmington. Fort Worth is 10% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Fort Worth or Wilmington?
The price-to-income ratio in Fort Worth is 5.0× ($310K median home, $62K median income). In Wilmington it's 6.0× ($340K home, $57K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Fort Worth is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Fort Worth vs Wilmington?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,183/month in Fort Worth and $1,209/month in Wilmington, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$312/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Fort Worth (Texas) has no state income tax vs Wilmington's 4.5% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $450/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Fort Worth has the same purchasing power as $102K in Wilmington
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026