Retire Modestly in Fort Worth, TX (2026)
Small apartment, cook at home, public transit, minimal travel. In Fort Worth (COL 91), this costs $2,427/month — a $3K less than the US average.
Monthly budget breakdown
Estimated monthly expenses for a modest retirement in Fort Worth (COL-adjusted from national baseline).
| Category | Monthly | Annual | % of budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $801 | $9,612 | 33% |
| Food | $364 | $4,368 | 15% |
| Healthcare | $340 | $4,080 | 14% |
| Transport | $291 | $3,492 | 12% |
| Leisure | $340 | $4,080 | 14% |
| Misc | $291 | $3,492 | 12% |
| Total | $2,427 | $29,120 | 100% |
How long to save $728K?
Time to reach your nest egg target investing at 7% annual return (S&P 500 historical avg).
| Monthly savings | Years to retire | Retirement age (start 30) |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000/mo | 24 yrs | Age 54 |
| $2,000/mo | 17 yrs | Age 47 |
| $3,000/mo | 13 yrs | Age 43 |
| $5,000/mo | 9 yrs | Age 39 |
| $8,000/mo | 7 yrs | Age 37 |
Fort Worth vs US average — Modest retirement
Other retirement tiers in Fort Worth
Frequently asked questions
How much does a modest retirement cost in Fort Worth?
A modest retirement in Fort Worth costs approximately $29,120/year or $2,427/month — based on a 91 cost-of-living index (US avg = 100). Using the 4% safe withdrawal rule, you need a nest egg of about $728K.
How long will it take to save $728K for retirement in Fort Worth?
Saving $2,000/month at a 7% average annual return would take roughly 17 years to accumulate $728K. At $3,000/month, it would take about 13 years. These estimates assume consistent investing in a diversified portfolio.
What is the biggest expense in a modest retirement in Fort Worth?
Housing is the largest expense at roughly 33% of the budget ($801/month). Healthcare ($340/month) is the second-largest category. TX has no state income tax, which reduces your overall tax burden in retirement.
4% safe withdrawal rule · 7% annualized return assumption · COL-adjusted from BLS data · Q1 2026 estimates