Median rent is 25% lower in Fort Worth ($1,412/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fort Worth, where the median home runs $277,300 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $76,602 a year). Taken together, Fort Worth is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.4 against 113.3 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Fort Worth, TX.
Quick verdict
Fort Worth is 9% cheaper overall
Cost index: 103.4 in Fort Worth vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Fort Worth, TX
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Fort Worth, TX?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$82,177
You'd need $7,177 more (10% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Fort Worth
Texas
Los Angeles
California
👥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: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Fort Worth — median rent of $1,412/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 25% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $277,300 in Fort Worth — 68% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while California tops out at 13.30% — giving Fort Worth a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 7.25% in California; Fort Worth has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Fort Worth
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Fort Worth.
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 103.4 vs 113.3).
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,412/mo median).
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Fort Worth cheaper than Los Angeles?
Fort Worth is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.4 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in Fort Worth.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,412/mo in Fort Worth, TX and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Fort Worth, TX has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Fort Worth or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth, TX and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles, 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 — Fort Worth or Los Angeles?
Texas has no state income tax. California has a top rate of 13.30%.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Fort Worth income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Fort Worth, TX is equivalent to roughly $109,569 in Los Angeles, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology