Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Fort Worth is 23% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $57,927 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Worth has a housing index of 87 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Worth costs $270,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $310,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Fort Worth versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Worth scores 96 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fort Worth (100) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Worth is $62,187 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Worth.
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