Median rent is 31% lower in Fort Worth ($1,509/mo vs $2,175/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fort Worth, where the median home runs $303,000 versus $831,200. Households earn more in Anaheim ($95,227 vs $79,507 a year). Taken together, Fort Worth is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.5 against 114.7 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Anaheim, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Fort Worth is 11% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 102.5 in Fort Worth vs 114.7 in Anaheim (US national average = 100)
City A
Anaheim, CA
City B
Fort Worth, TX
How much would you need to earn in Fort Worth, TX to maintain your standard of living from Anaheim, CA?
Equivalent salary in Fort Worth, TX
$66,988
You could earn $8,012 less (11% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Anaheim
California
Fort Worth
Texas
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Fort Worth — median rent of $1,509/mo versus $2,175/mo in Anaheim, a 31% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Anaheim: the median home is $831,200 versus $303,000 in Fort Worth — 64% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Anaheim
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Fort Worth
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Anaheim (avg AQI 35.0) but not yet for Fort Worth.
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.5 vs 114.7).
Pick Anaheim if you prioritize higher median household income ($95,227/yr).
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,509/mo median).
Is Anaheim cheaper than Fort Worth?
Fort Worth is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.5 versus 114.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Fort Worth.
How much is rent in Anaheim vs Fort Worth?
Median rent is $2,175/mo in Anaheim, CA and $1,509/mo in Fort Worth, TX. Fort Worth, TX has the lower rent by about 31%.
Which has higher salaries — Anaheim or Fort Worth?
Median household income is $95,227 in Anaheim, CA and $79,507 in Fort Worth, TX. Anaheim, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Anaheim or Fort Worth?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Fort Worth to match my Anaheim income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Anaheim, CA is equivalent to roughly $89,317 in Fort Worth, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
