Cost of living in Fort Worth, TX: What to expect when living here as a renter

Planning a move to Fort Worth, TX? It’s easy to get caught up in apartment hunting, but before you settle on a place, it’s important to understand the cost of living in Fort Worth and what your everyday expenses might look like.

Costs like groceries, utilities, transportation, and even a night out can quickly shape your monthly budget. Taking time to review the average cost of living in Fort Worth, TX, can give you a clearer picture of how far your income will stretch and what kind of lifestyle you can comfortably afford.

Fort Worth offers a blend of city access and more relaxed neighborhoods, with strong ties to the larger Dallas-Fort Worth area. While it can be more affordable than some nearby cities, the overall Texas living costs can still vary depending on your habits and location.

If you’re exploring apartments in Fort Worth, TX, and want to compare living costs before making a decision, this guide walks you through the key expenses and how they stack up against the Texas and U.S. averages.

What is the average cost of living in Fort Worth, TX?

When looking at the cost of living in Fort Worth, TX, renters should think beyond rent alone. Monthly expenses include utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare. These everyday costs can shift your budget more than expected, especially if you’re moving from a lower-cost area. That’s why it’s helpful to compare cost-of-living data before committing to a new apartment.

Breaking down the cost of living in Fort Worth, TX

To better understand the average cost of living in Fort Worth, TX, it helps to look at individual categories. Here’s how common renter expenses break down:

Housing (buy and rent)

• Average monthly rent: $1,432
• Average home price: $444,445
• Mortgage rate: 6.73%

Housing plays a major role in the cost of living in Fort Worth, TX. While it’s more expensive than the Texas average, it remains below the national average, making it appealing for renters comparing options across the country.

Utilities

• Energy bill: $256.52/month
• Phone bill: $206.31/month

Utilities are a key factor when you compare Fort Worth living costs. You should budget for higher-than-average energy costs that add up quickly, especially during hot Texas summers.

Food

• Milk (1 gallon): $4.60
• Eggs (dozen): $3.84
• Bread: $4.05
• Potatoes: $4.70
• Cheese: $4.58
• Ground beef: $7.08

Food costs are close to the national average, which helps keep Texas living costs manageable for renters in Fort Worth. Grocery prices are slightly lower than the U.S. average overall.

Healthcare

• Doctor’s visit: $135.03
• Dentist: $130.59
• Optometrist: $129.88

Healthcare costs are slightly higher than the national average. Compared to many other cities, this is one category where Fort Worth is higher.

Transportation

• Gas (per gallon): $2.98
• Tire balancing: $60.43

Transportation costs are lower than both the Texas and national averages. This helps balance out the overall costs when living in Fort Worth, TX, especially for commuters.

Goods & services

• Men’s shirt: $38.16
• Women’s slacks: $36.26
• Boy’s jeans: $29.10
• Haircut: $32.52
• Beauty salon: $53.38
• Dry cleaning: $16.08
• Movie ticket: $11.86

Goods and services are slightly cheaper than the national average. This makes day-to-day spending more manageable and helps offset higher utility costs.

Is Fort Worth, TX, a good choice for renters?

When you compare the data, Fort Worth lands in a middle range for many renters, giving practical value to most, especially those earning close to the city’s median household income. Before choosing an apartment, take time to map out your monthly expenses and compare the average cost of living in Fort Worth, TX, with what you’re used to.

Having a clear picture of the cost of living in Texas, and how Fort Worth fits into that, can help you decide if this city supports your budget and long-term plans.