Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Fort Worth is 26% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $55,664 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Worth costs $270,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $230,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Fort Worth versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Worth scores 96 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fort Worth (100) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Worth is $62,187 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Worth.
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