Median rent is 5% lower in Fort Worth ($1,412/mo vs $1,487/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fort Worth, where the median home runs $277,300 versus $452,600. Households earn more in Fort Worth ($76,602 vs $76,174 a year). Taken together, Fort Worth is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 103.4 against 103.6 — about 0% lower overall prices.
City A
Fort Worth, TX
City B
Portland, ME
How much would you need to earn in Portland, ME to maintain your standard of living from Fort Worth, TX?
Equivalent salary in Portland, ME
$75,162
You'd need $162 more (0% 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
Portland
Maine
👥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
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,412/mo in Fort Worth and $1,487/mo in Portland. Home buyers face a steeper market in Portland: the median home is $452,600 versus $277,300 in Fort Worth — 39% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Maine tops out at 7.15% — giving Fort Worth a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 5.50% in Maine; Portland has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Fort Worth
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Portland
Income tax: 7.15%
Sales tax: 5.50%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Fort Worth cheaper than Portland?
Fort Worth is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 103.4 versus 103.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Fort Worth.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs Portland?
Median rent is $1,412/mo in Fort Worth, TX and $1,487/mo in Portland, ME. Fort Worth, TX has the lower rent by about 5%.
Which has higher salaries — Fort Worth or Portland?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth, TX and $76,174 in Portland, ME. Fort Worth, TX 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 Portland?
Texas has no state income tax. Maine has a top rate of 7.15%.
What salary do I need in Portland 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 $100,217 in Portland, ME (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