Median rent is 11% lower in Fort Worth ($1,509/mo vs $1,701/mo). Buying is cheaper in Fort Worth, where the median home runs $303,000 versus $420,400. Households earn more in Fort Worth ($79,507 vs $75,475 a year). Taken together, Tampa is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.5 against 102.5 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Fort Worth, TX.
City A
Fort Worth, TX
City B
Tampa, FL
How much would you need to earn in Tampa, FL to maintain your standard of living from Fort Worth, TX?
Equivalent salary in Tampa, FL
$74,988
You could earn $12 less (0% 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
Fort Worth
Texas
Tampa
Florida
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Fort Worth at $1,509/mo compared to $1,701/mo in Tampa (11% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Tampa: the median home is $420,400 versus $303,000 in Fort Worth — 28% 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.
Fort Worth
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Tampa
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Tampa (avg AQI 64.0) but not yet for Fort Worth.
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,509/mo median).
Is Fort Worth cheaper than Tampa?
Tampa is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.5 versus 102.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Tampa.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs Tampa?
Median rent is $1,509/mo in Fort Worth, TX and $1,701/mo in Tampa, FL. Fort Worth, TX has the lower rent by about 11%.
Which has higher salaries — Fort Worth or Tampa?
Median household income is $79,507 in Fort Worth, TX and $75,475 in Tampa, FL. 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 Tampa?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Tampa 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 $99,983 in Tampa, FL (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
