Fort Worth, TX vs Houston, TX

Houston is moderately more affordable than Fort Worth, with a 6.2% lower cost of living index. Fort Worth scores 101 compared to 96 for Houston, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Fort Worth can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month compared to $1,313/month in Houston — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Houston is more affordable at $253,400 median vs $277,300.

Median household income in Fort Worth is $76,602 compared to $62,894 in Houston (+21.8%). While Fort Worth is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Worth spend roughly 22.1% of their income on rent, less than the 25.1% in Houston.

Climate-wise, Houston is notably warmer with an average of 71.1°F compared to 65.9°F in Fort Worth. Houston receives more rainfall at 55.6" per year compared to 35.3" in Fort Worth.