Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
26% cheaper
Fort Worth is 26% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento 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 Sacramento sits at 163 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Worth costs $270,000 compared to $450,000 in Sacramento, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Fort Worth versus $1,700 in Sacramento.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Worth scores 96 while Sacramento scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fort Worth (100) are lower than Sacramento (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Worth is $62,187 compared to $64,660 in Sacramento. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Worth.
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