Fort Worth vs Irving
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Fort Worth
Irving
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 5.0%, with Fort Worth being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Fort Worth has equivalent purchasing power to $78,947 in Irving.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Fort Worth has the same purchasing power as $78,947 in Irving.
Conversely, $75,000 in Irving equals $71,250 in Fort Worth.
Living in Fort Worth vs Irving
Housing Costs
Fort Worth's housing index of 87 is lower Irving's 94, translating to median home prices of $270,000 vs $318,000. The $48,000 difference in home prices means roughly $3,120 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Fort Worth compared to $1,350/mo in Irving, a monthly difference of $50.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 96 in Fort Worth and 99 in Irving. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $456/month in Fort Worth vs $470/month in Irving. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 99 in Fort Worth and 111 in Irving. Monthly utility bills average approximately $396 in Fort Worth vs $444 in Irving. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 100 in Fort Worth and 103 in Irving. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $62,187 in Fort Worth and $73,400 in Irving. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $65,460 and $73,400 respectively. Irving residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,451/month to housing in Fort Worth vs $1,713/month in Irving. In Fort Worth, median rent of $1,400/mo fits within this budget. In Irving, median rent of $1,350/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 12 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases