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Cost of Living in Fort Worth

Is it better to rent or buy in Fort Worth? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$80,908
$1,614/mo

Median in area: $1,614

$302,162

Median in area: $302,162

$60,432

If you Rent

🔑
$1,716 /mo
Base Rent$1,614
Est. Utilities$102
% of Income25.5%
Pre-tax Residual$5,026

If you Buy

🏠
$2,265 /mo
P&I (6.872%)$1,588
Taxes & Ins$575
Est. Utilities$102
% of Income33.6%
Pre-tax Residual$4,478

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Fort Worth?

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Fort Worth. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,716, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,265 per month (a difference of $549).

How much do utilities cost in Fort Worth?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Fort Worth is approximately $102. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Fort Worth?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Fort Worth without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $68,640 per year.