Performance
Score Breakdown
Yakima
Fort Worth
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Yakima is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
14% lower compared to Fort Worth.
Housing costs are a major driver: Yakima's average rent is
26% lower than Fort Worth's.
| Metric | Yakima | Fort Worth | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,127 | $1,525 | -26% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $274 | $180 | +52% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $153 | $250 | -39% |
| Monthly Total | $2,124 | $2,475 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 102 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Fort Worth offers 47% 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 Yakima is estimated at
$49,428 vs $55,002 in Fort Worth.
| Metric | Yakima | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $34,628 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $49,428 | $55,002 |
| Purchasing Power | 33,949 idx | 68,421 idx |
| Household Income | $59,829 | $79,507 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Yakima | 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% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Yakima has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Fort Worth.
Fort Worth scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Fort Worth leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Yakima | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 27 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 35.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 35.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Fort Worth is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Yakima.
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 | Yakima | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 97,769 | 1,028,117 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 2.00% |
| Median Age | 33.6 | |
| Unemployment | 5.30% | 4.10% |
| GDP | $13.3B | $139.9B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Yakima
Advantages
Yakima enjoys approximately 300 sunny days per year, making it one of Washington's sunniest major cities.
The cost of living in Yakima is notably affordable, with housing costs significantly lower than the national average.
The region is a world-class wine country with over 120 wineries, offering unique recreational and cultural experiences.
Residents have access to excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Yakima River and nearby mountains, lakes, and trails.
The average commute time in Yakima County is shorter than the Washington state average, at 17.3 minutes.
Drawbacks
Yakima's overall crime rate is 22% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 52% higher.
The nightlife and cultural scene can be limited, with many establishments closing early and less investment in arts compared to larger cities.
Public transit is not extensive, making car ownership almost essential for getting around the city effectively.
Some specialized medical care may require residents to travel to larger cities outside of Yakima.
Groceries and utilities are slightly more expensive than the national average.
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.
Yakima
#21Washington, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,127
Avg Salary
$34,628
Cost Index
102
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.30%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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