Moving from Houston to Fort Worth (2026)
Fort Worth has a COL index of 91 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Fort Worth to match your Houston lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Houston | Equivalent in Fort Worth |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,316 |
| $50K | $47,895 |
| $60K | $57,474 |
| $75K | $71,842 |
| $80K | $76,632 |
| $100K | $95,789 |
| $120K | $114,947 |
| $150K | $143,684 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Houston vs Fort Worth
| Expense | Houston | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $357 | $365 |
| Transport | $90 | $50 |
| Utilities | $175 | $180 |
| Internet | $65 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $2,704 | $2,678 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Worth cheaper than Houston?
Yes. Fort Worth has a cost of living index of 91 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Houston to Fort Worth?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Fort Worth run about $26/month more than Houston. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Fort Worth to match my Houston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Houston, you'd need roughly $71,842/year in Fort Worth. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only