Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Fort Worth is 11% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno is equivalent to $66,589 in Fort Worth.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Worth has a housing index of 87 while Fresno sits at 111 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Worth costs $270,000 compared to $330,000 in Fresno, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Fort Worth versus $1,300 in Fresno.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Worth scores 96 while Fresno scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fort Worth (100) match Fresno (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Worth is $62,187 compared to $53,838 in Fresno. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Worth.
Amazon affiliate links