Performance
Score Breakdown
Dallas
Fort Worth
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Dallas is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
3% lower compared to Fort Worth.
| Metric | Dallas | Fort Worth | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,412 | $1,525 | -7% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $281 | $180 | +56% |
| Transport | $126 | $120 | +5% |
| Healthcare | $135 | $250 | -46% |
| Monthly Total | $2,404 | $2,475 | -3% |
| Cost Index | 101 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Fort Worth offers 6% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Fort Worth delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Dallas is estimated at
$96,970 vs $55,002 in Fort Worth.
| Metric | Dallas | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $60,900 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $96,970 | $55,002 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,297 idx | 68,421 idx |
| Household Income | $70,518 | $79,507 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Dallas | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Dallas | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 27 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/10 | 35.0/10 |
| Walkability | 60.0/10 | 35.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 41.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Fort Worth.
From a growth perspective, Fort Worth is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Fort Worth has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Dallas | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,336,440 | 1,028,117 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.52% | 2.00% |
| Median Age | 33.4 | 33.6 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 4.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $139.9B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Fort Worth
Advantages
Fort Worth's population surpassed 1 million residents in 2024, making it the 11th most populous U.S. city and one of the fastest-growing in the nation.
The median household income in Fort Worth grew to $79,507 in 2024, a 3.79% increase from the previous year.
The cost of living in Fort Worth is generally lower than the national average, with reasonable utility and internet costs.
Fort Worth's job market is strong and growing, with significant expansion in professional and business services, financial activities, and trade, transportation, and utilities.
The city offers a rich cultural experience, blending its Western heritage with world-class museums and diverse entertainment options.
Drawbacks
Fort Worth is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options and a low transit access score.
Average commute times in Fort Worth are slightly longer than the U.S. average, and traffic congestion can be significant during peak hours.
While housing remains relatively affordable compared to some major cities, its affordability has started to wane due to rapid population growth.
The city's overall walkability score is low, making it challenging to accomplish most errands on foot outside of specific neighborhoods.
The growth rate in Tarrant County, which centers on Fort Worth, slowed in 2025 compared to previous years.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Dallas
#1Texas, USA
85.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
Fort Worth
#21Texas, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,525
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
35.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.00%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
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