Quick answer
Fort Worth costs $175/month less overall ($1,800 vs $1,975/mo). Fort Worth also has lower state income tax (None vs 4.5%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Fort Worth vs Raleigh
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Fort Worth vs Raleigh at a Glance
| Metric | Fort Worth | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,280 ✓ | $1,860 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,620 ✓ | $1,860 |
| Median Home Price | $340K ✓ | $420K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $175 | $145 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $345 ✓ | $350 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,800 ✓ | $1,975 |
| Walk Score | 34/100 ✓ | 34/100 |
| Transit Score | 25/100 ✓ | 25/100 |
| State Income Tax | None ✓ | 4.5% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Fort Worth's 1BR averages $1,280/month vs $1,480 in Raleigh — a $200/month difference, or $2,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Fort Worth charges None state income tax vs 4.5% in Raleigh. On an $80K salary that's a $3,600/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,400 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Fort Worth are $340K vs $420K in Raleigh. At a 20% down payment, that's a $16,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Fort Worth utilities run $30 more per month than Raleigh. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Fort Worth, TX
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Fort Worth. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Raleigh, NC
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Raleigh. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Fort Worth
Hot summers (similar to Dallas, 100°F+), mild winters with occasional ice storms, severe thunderstorm and tornado season in spring
Raleigh
Four mild seasons; hot humid summers (heat index 100–105°F in July), light winters, excellent spring and fall
Job Market
Fort Worth top industries
Raleigh top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Fort Worth if…
- →You're a aerospace / defense workers
- →You're a healthcare professionals
- →You're a remote workers
- →You're a Texas culture enthusiasts
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Raleigh if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a biotech / pharma professionals
- →You're a researchers
- →You're a young families
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Worth or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Fort Worth is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,800 in Fort Worth vs $1,975 in Raleigh — a $175/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Fort Worth or Raleigh?
Raleigh is more walkable with a Walk Score of 34/100 vs 34/100. Fort Worth is more car-dependent.
Fort Worth vs Raleigh: which has lower state income tax?
Fort Worth has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,600/year vs Raleigh (4.5%).
Is Fort Worth or Raleigh better for buying a home?
Fort Worth has lower median home prices at $340K vs $420K in Raleigh — a $80,000 difference on the median home.