Fort Worth, TX Cost of Living: Is It Affordable?

Fort Worth has been attracting people left and right, and money’s a big reason why. This city lets you actually live without bankrupting you every month. You get the Texas vibe and decent job opportunities.

But it’s not all sunshine and savings. Some costs here will surprise you, and not in a good way. This guide will show you what you’re really spending if you make the move.

What’s the Cost of Living in Fort Worth, TX Really Like?

Fort Worth’s affordable, plain and simple. You can grab dinner at a decent spot for $16, and a three-bedroom apartment outside downtown costs around $2,157 per month.

With gas at $2.84 per gallon, commuting remains affordable. Rent is about 23% lower than the national average, and buying a home costs roughly 17% less than in most markets, making it an ideal opportunity for investor home buyers in Fort Worth and other cities in Texas.

Your electric bill will be slightly higher, though. You can expect to pay around $262 a month, as Texas summers are extremely hot. The AC runs from May through October, and you’ll feel it in your wallet.

Healthcare costs are slightly higher than average, but not enough to wreck your budget. Meanwhile, transportation saves you about 9% compared to other cities, which is a significant amount if you drive daily.

Groceries stay pretty neutral. You’re not saving much, but you’re not getting gouged either. A gallon of milk costs around $4.67, and a dozen eggs run about $3.24. Meanwhile, a loaf of bread costs $3.24.

Fort Worth vs. National Average

Fort Worth scores 96 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national baseline. That 4-point difference means you’re keeping more money compared to the average American city. Housing delivers the most significant advantage at 12.1% below average. This is huge when rent or mortgage eats up the most substantial chunk of most people’s budgets.

Transportation costs drop 9% below the national average. Gas runs cheaper, and car maintenance costs less. Even taxi rates remain reasonable, starting at $3, plus $1.74 per kilometer.

Groceries save you a modest 1.3% so that you won’t notice dramatic differences at the checkout line. However, utilities spike 14.6% higher than the average, primarily due to energy costs that reach $262 per month. Phone bills add another $204 on average.

Healthcare edges up just 1.1% above the national average. A doctor’s visit costs about $137, dental checkups run $128, and you’ll pay around $127 for an optometrist visit. Basic prescriptions, such as ibuprofen, remain affordable at roughly $12.

Fort Worth, TX Living Cost Guide

These are the significant expenses you’re looking at if you plan to move to Fort Worth, TX.

Housing Costs in Fort Worth

A one-bedroom in the city center costs about $1,666 monthly, but scoot outside downtown, and you’re paying $1,159 for the same setup. Three-bedrooms run $2,846 in the center or $2,158 in the suburbs, so moving just a few miles out saves you almost $700 a month.

If you’re buying a house, the median price sits at $443,659. You’ll pay around $3,512 per square meter downtown versus $1,851 in the burbs. Mortgage rates hover around 6.36% for a 20-year fixed rate, which isn’t terrible compared to what some markets are currently experiencing.

Utilities and Monthly Bills

Your AC bill’s going to hurt. Basic utilities average $206 monthly, but that jumps to $260 when summer comes, and you won’t be able to live without an air conditioner. Energy alone runs $262 because keeping your place under 75 degrees from June through September isn’t optional.

Toss in $204 for your phone bill and $74 for internet, and you’re spending roughly $ 278 monthly just to keep the lights on and stay connected. It’s higher than most cities, but try living through a Texas summer without AC, and you’ll understand why everyone just pays it.

Groceries and Food Expenses

Groceries are pretty standard here. As we’ve mentioned, milk costs $4.67 per gallon, bread costs $3.92, and eggs run $3.54 for a dozen. Chicken costs about $12.84 per kilo, while beef costs $17.30, and bananas cost $0.73 per bunch.

You’ll spend around $683 monthly feeding your household, give or take, depending on how much you eat out. Speaking of eating out, a decent meal costs $16, a nicer dinner for two runs $60, and a McDonald’s combo is $12.

Your morning coffee habit adds up to $6.56 per cappuccino, while beers cost $5.15 for domestic or $7 for imports at bars.

Transportation Costs

Gas in Fort Worth, which costs $2.84 per gallon, beats most of the country, so your commute won’t destroy your budget. Public transit costs $2 per ride or $78.26 for a monthly pass if you’re using it daily. Uber and Lyft start at $3 plus $1.74 per kilometer, which is reasonable for the occasional ride.

If you are buying a car, a compact one costs around $36,232 new, mid-size sedans go for $26,212, and maintenance, such as tire balancing, costs around $60. You’re spending roughly $353 monthly on transportation, which is 9% cheaper than the national average and actually noticeable when you’re budgeting.

Healthcare Expenses

Doctor visits cost $136.78, dental visits run $127.75, and eye exams cost $126.88. Basic prescriptions, such as ibuprofen, cost around $11.60, which is not too expensive. You’ll budget approximately $148 per month for healthcare if you’re generally healthy, which totals roughly $1,776 annually.

Veterinary visits cost $67.87 if you have pets. Healthcare is about 1.1% higher than the national average. However, the difference is small enough that it won’t significantly impact your budget unless you’re dealing with serious medical issues or chronic conditions that require specialist care.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Fort Worth, TX, Based on Household Income?

Your living situation changes everything about what you’ll actually spend. Single people can get by on way less than families, and retirees have totally different money needs than someone raising kids.

Single Adults Living in Fort Worth

Single people need around $1,164 monthly for basics before rent. Add a one-bedroom apartment outside downtown at $1,159, and you’re spending roughly $2,323 per month or $27,876 yearly. That’s totally doable on $40,000 to $45,000 annually if you’re not going crazy with spending.

The average Fort Worth salary sits at $4,233 monthly, so you can live comfortably. You can still save some money and grab drinks with friends on weekends. Groceries run about $683, while transportation costs $353. Meanwhile, healthcare costs $148, and you’ll drop another $1,032 on random stuff you need throughout the month.

Families with Children

Families need way more cash. A family of four spends $4,199 monthly on essentials before rent, totaling $50,388 yearly. Renting a three-bedroom apartment outside downtown adds $2,158 monthly, so you’re at $6,357 per month or $76,284 annually just to exist.

Childcare will also kill your budget. Specifically, preschool costs $1,854 per month per child, and private elementary school costs $23,333 per year. To live comfortably and cover childcare, you need a household income of around $90,000 to $100,000.

Kids multiply every expense. They make groceries double and utilities spike. Healthcare costs rise, and there’s always some school fee or activity that pops up.

Retirees and Empty Nesters

Retirees get the best deal if they own their home outright. Without mortgage or childcare costs, you’re spending $3,000 to $3,500 monthly on utilities, groceries, healthcare, and whatever you do for fun. 

Healthcare is your most significant expense as you age, due to increased doctor visits, more prescriptions, and higher insurance premiums. But Fort Worth’s lower costs mean your Social Security or pension money goes further here than in most cities.

You can actually enjoy retirement instead of watching every dollar. Your savings last longer without expensive housing eating half your income every month.

Fort Worth Neighborhoods and Their Cost of Living

In Fort Worth, city center living gives you walkability and nightlife, but the suburbs offer way more space for your money. Here’s a detailed look at how much you’ll spend per neighborhood.

City Centre Living Costs

Living downtown puts you close to everything, including restaurants, bars, work, and entertainment, but you’ll pay for that convenience. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center runs $1,666 monthly, and a three-bedroom hits $2,846.

Buying property costs about $3,512 per square meter, which can be very expensive if you’re looking at anything bigger than a shoebox.

Parking’s another headache because most buildings charge extra for spots, sometimes $100 to $150 monthly on top of rent. You’ll save on transportation since you can walk or bike to most places, but groceries tend to be slightly more expensive at downtown stores. You’re surrounded by tempting restaurants that’ll drain your wallet if you’re not careful.

The city center is ideal for singles who don’t require much space. It’s also perfect for those who want to be at the heart of everything Fort Worth has to offer.

Suburban Fort Worth Expenses

The suburbs give you way more value for your money. One-bedrooms drop to $1,159 monthly, and three-bedrooms go for $2,158. That’s almost $700 less than downtown for the same number of rooms.

Buying costs around $1,851 per square meter, which is nearly half the price in the city center. That means you can actually afford a real house with a yard.

You’ll need a car, though, because public transportation is limited outside of downtown, and most destinations require driving. Gas costs add up, but you’re still saving significantly on housing, making it a balance.

Grocery stores are often larger and more affordable in the suburbs. You also have actual parking, and your neighbors aren’t blasting music at 2 AM. Families especially love the suburbs because they offer good schools, parks, and space for kids to run around without spending their entire paycheck on rent.

Entertainment, Dining, and Lifestyle Costs in Fort Worth

Fort Worth’s got plenty to do, and most of it won’t wreck your budget. You can actually enjoy living here instead of just surviving paycheck to paycheck.

A gym membership costs about $40 per month, which is relatively inexpensive compared to rates in big cities, where boutique studios charge $200. Tennis court rentals run $20 per hour on weekends if you’re into that. Meanwhile, movie tickets cost $15 for new releases, so catching a film won’t break the bank.

Dining out stays reasonable across the board. A basic restaurant meal costs $16, mid-range dinners for two run $60, and even nicer spots won’t break the bank.

Bars charge $5.15 for domestic beers and $7 for imports. You can grab drinks with friends without doing mental math about whether you can afford another round. Wine at restaurants averages $17.57 for mid-range bottles, and you can grab decent bottles at stores for similar prices.

The lifestyle costs really depend on what you’re into. If you have kids, private preschool costs $1,854 per month, and private elementary school costs $23,333 per year, so that’s a significant expense. But there are good public schools in many Fort Worth neighborhoods, so you’re not forced into private education.

Clothing stays average. You’re not getting deals, but you’re not getting gouged either. Fort Worth lets you live comfortably and go out regularly. You can enjoy yourself without constantly worrying about running out of money before the end of the month.

Hidden Expenses in Fort Worth You Should Know About

Nobody tells you about the sneaky costs until you’re already living here and wondering where your money went. Fort Worth’s got a few expenses that can surprise you.

Property Taxes and Homeowner Fees

Texas doesn’t charge a state income tax, but property taxes are higher to make up for it. Fort Worth homeowners often face steeper bills, which is something to keep in mind if you’re selling, making it a good reason to sell your Dallas house faster and surrounding Texas cities.

You should expect to pay around 2% to 2.5% of your home’s value annually in property taxes, so a $400,000 house costs you $8,000 to $10,000 yearly just in taxes. That’s roughly $667 to $833 monthly on top of your mortgage payment.

HOA fees add another layer if you’re in specific neighborhoods. Some charge $50 monthly, while others cost $200 or more, depending on the amenities they offer. Nobody warns you about these costs upfront, but they really affect what you can actually afford.

Seasonal Weather Costs

Summer in Fort Worth isn’t just hot, it’s expensive. Your AC runs constantly from May through October, and electric bills spike hard during peak months. What costs $200 in winter jumps to $300 or more in July and August because keeping your house livable requires a significant amount of energy.

You’ll also spend more on water during the summer if you’ve got a yard. Grass dies quickly in Texas heat, so you either pay for extra water or let your lawn turn brown. Winter means occasional cold snaps that require heating. If you experience ice storms, you may need to address burst pipes or roof damage.

Weather-related home maintenance adds up over time, especially if you’re buying an older house that wasn’t built with modern insulation.

Innovative Ways to Save Money in Fort Worth

Fort Worth’s affordable, but you can stretch your money even further with some basic moves that actually work.

Cut Your Grocery and Gas Bills

Shop at Aldi or Walmart instead of Whole Foods to slash your grocery bill by 20% to 30% without compromising on food quality. Buy gas at Costco or Sam’s Club if you’ve got a membership. It’s 10 to 15 cents cheaper per gallon than regular stations, which saves you real money when you’re filling up every week.

You should also visit the farmers’ markets for produce, as it’s fresher and often cheaper than supermarket produce. Plus, you’re supporting local farmers instead of big chains.

Cook at home more and meal prep on Sundays. You’ll save $200 to $300 monthly compared to constantly grabbing takeout, and honestly, the food tastes better when you’re not eating fast food every night.

Lower Your Housing and Utility Costs

You should consider renting outside the city center to save hundreds of dollars per month without sacrificing much. The suburbs sit close enough to downtown that your commute doesn’t kill you, and the money you save on rent covers gas costs easily.

Get a roommate if you’re single. Splitting a two-bedroom costs way less than renting a one-bedroom alone, plus utilities get cut in half. 

Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher in summer and lower in winter, as your body adapts within a week, and your electric bill drops noticeably. Use fans instead of blasting the AC all day, and close blinds during peak sun hours to keep heat out. These small changes add up to a monthly savings of $50 to $100 on utilities.

Save on Transportation and Entertainment

Use public transit if your job is accessible by bus or train. A $78 monthly pass is more cost-effective than spending $150 on gas and car maintenance. Skip the gym and use Fort Worth’s free parks for running, biking, or working out because the city’s loaded with trails and outdoor spaces.

Buy AC units in winter when they’re on clearance and heaters during summer sales, not when you desperately need them and prices spike. Shop thrift stores and consignment shops for clothes and furniture. Fort Worth has great secondhand spots where you can find good stuff at a bargain.

Wait for restaurant happy hours and early bird specials instead of paying full price. You’ll be able to eat out without destroying your budget every time.

Job Market and Average Salaries in Fort Worth

Fort Worth’s job market remains strong, particularly in healthcare, aerospace, and logistics. The average monthly salary after taxes is $4,233, which translates to approximately $50,796 annually. That’s not Silicon Valley money, but it goes way further here than it would in expensive coastal cities.

Major employers, such as American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and Texas Health Resources, consistently hire, and the city’s growth means that new companies continue to establish a presence here. Healthcare jobs pay well. In fact, nurses typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000, depending on their level of experience. Those positions stay in high demand year-round.

Aerospace and defense jobs through Lockheed Martin offer excellent salaries in the $70,000 to $100,000 range for engineers and specialized positions. Logistics work pays less, ranging from $35,000 to $45,000, but there’s a lot of it because Fort Worth’s location makes it a central distribution hub.

Tech jobs exist, but they’re not as plentiful as in Dallas. Moreover, sales roles typically average $50,000 to $70,000, with additional commissions on top. The best part is that a $50,000 salary here buys you a comfortable lifestyle. You get a decent apartment, a reliable car, and money for fun and savings.

That same salary in Austin means scraping by and stressing about rent every single month.

Best Times to Move to Fort Worth for Lower Costs

The winter months, from November to February, offer the best deals on rent and moving costs you’ll find throughout the year. Landlords struggle to fill units during the cold months when fewer people are willing to deal with the hassle of moving, so they are more likely to negotiate lower rent or waive application and deposit fees to secure a tenant.

Moving companies charge less, too, because demand drops hard after summer ends. You can sometimes score 20% to 30% discounts on moving services just by scheduling during their slow season.

Avoid moving during the summer at all costs. From May to August, rent prices spike because families move between school years, and college students flood the market in search of accommodations. Landlords know they can charge more and still fill every unit, so you’ll pay premium rates for the same apartments that cost way less in winter.

Spring and fall sit somewhere in the middle. Not terrible, not great for deals. You’ll find decent availability without the summer price gouging, but you won’t have the same negotiating power as you do during winter moves, when landlords are practically begging for tenants.

If you’re in the market to buy, late fall and winter are often the best times to negotiate. Homes tend to sit longer, and sellers worried about carrying two mortgages through the holidays are more open to lower offers or covering closing costs, which is how Pioneer Home Buyers can help make the process smoother.

If you time your move right, you can save thousands of dollars by waiting a few months instead of jumping at the first available date.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Worth Cost of Living

Is Fort Worth cheaper than Dallas?

Fort Worth is slightly less expensive than Dallas overall. Housing costs about the same in both cities, but Fort Worth edges ahead on groceries, entertainment, and some lifestyle expenses. You’re not saving massive amounts, but every bit helps when you’re budgeting on a monthly basis.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Fort Worth?

Single adults can live comfortably on an annual income of $40,000 to $45,000. Families need a combined household income of around $90,000 to $100,000 to cover housing, childcare, and expenses without constantly stressing. Retirees with paid-off homes can manage on an annual income of $36,000 to $42,000.

Why are utilities so high in Fort Worth?

Texas summers require nonstop AC from May through October. That drives electric bills way up. Energy costs average $262 monthly compared to the national average of $217 because keeping your place livable during 100-degree days isn’t optional.

Is Fort Worth a good place for families on a budget?

Yes, Fort Worth is an excellent option for budget-conscious families. Housing costs less than in most major metros, and there are excellent public schools in many areas. Some parks and activities are reasonably priced. Childcare’s expensive like everywhere else, but overall costs stay manageable.

Does Fort Worth have good public transportation?

Public transit exists, but it’s not amazing. You’ll probably need a car for most things unless you live and work downtown. Monthly passes cost $78.26, which can be helpful if your commute aligns with bus routes.

Are property taxes really that high in Fort Worth?

Yes. Texas has no state income tax, so property taxes typically range from 2% to 2.5% of your home’s value annually to make up for it. A $400,000 house costs you $8,000 to $10,000 yearly in property taxes alone.

Key Takeaways: Fort Worth, TX Cost of Living

Fort Worth gives you affordable living without sacrificing quality of life. You’ll pay more for utilities because Texas summers demand constant AC, but the savings on rent and housing more than balance that out. Single adults can live comfortably on $40,000 to $45,000 per year, while families typically require around $90,000 to $100,000 to cover all expenses without experiencing constant financial stress.

If you’re looking to sell your Fort Worth home quickly without waiting months for buyers, Pioneer Home Buyers can help. We buy houses as-is for cash, which means no stressing about whether deals will fall through. Contact us at (817) 382-1155 to receive a fair cash offer and close on your timeline, often within as little as a week if that’s what you need.