Moving from Los Angeles to Fort Worth (2026)
Fort Worth has a COL index of 91 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 47% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Fort Worth to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 47% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Fort Worth |
|---|---|
| $40K | $21,040 |
| $50K | $26,301 |
| $60K | $31,561 |
| $75K | $39,451 |
| $80K | $42,081 |
| $100K | $52,601 |
| $120K | $63,121 |
| $150K | $78,902 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs Fort Worth
| Expense | Los Angeles | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $410 | $365 |
| Transport | $100 | $50 |
| Utilities | $145 | $180 |
| Internet | $70 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $2,678 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Worth cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. Fort Worth has a cost of living index of 91 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 47% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to Fort Worth?
On a $75K salary, moving from Los Angeles to Fort Worth could save roughly $1,462/month on core expenses. That's ~$17,544/year.
What salary do I need in Fort Worth to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $39,451/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