Cost of Living in Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Fort Worth-Arlington? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $7,241 per year — Texas levies no state income tax, so that figure covers federal tax only. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,723/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Fort Worth-Arlington metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $42,083, or roughly $3,507 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Fort Worth-Arlington metro has a cost of living index of 117.8 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 18% above average, Fort Worth-Arlington is a noticeably expensive metro — groceries, services, and everyday purchases cost more than in most of the country.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Fort Worth-Arlington represents approximately 30% of gross income. That exceeds the conventional 30% guideline, meaning housing takes a significant share of the budget at this income level. Texas's zero income tax helps offset the rent burden compared to otherwise similar cities that also levy state income tax.