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Fort Worth vs Austin: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Austin is 20% more expensive than Fort Worth. Fort Worth is 40% safer. Fort Worth has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Fort Worth population: 1,028,117. Austin population: 1,002,632.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingFort Worth
SafetyFort Worth
WeatherFort Worth
HousingFort Worth

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Fort Worth vs Austin

Fort Worth is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 120 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 20 index points.

CategoryFort WorthAustin
Overall Index100120
Housing$2,136/moIndex: 120$2,990/moIndex: 168
Groceries$398/moIndex: 97$410/moIndex: 100
Transportation$357/moIndex: 102$368/moIndex: 105
Healthcare$320/moIndex: 100$320/moIndex: 100
Utilities$220/moIndex: 100$220/moIndex: 100

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Fort Worth vs Austin

Fort Worth is 40% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.7 per 1,000 residents vs Austin's 39.5. Fort Worth earns a C+ safety grade compared to Austin's D-. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

Fort Worth

Texas

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.7/1K
TrendStable
D-

Austin

Texas

Overall GradeD-
Violent CrimeB-
Property CrimeF
Crime Rate39.5/1K
TrendStable
MetricFort WorthAustin
Overall Crime Rate23.7/1K39.5/1K
Violent Crime Rate384.8350.0
Property Crime Rate1983.33600.0
Murder Rate6.94.6
Assault Rate292.7278.3
Robbery Rate46.560.6
Burglary Rate247.5461.8
Theft Rate1801.43112.6
Vehicle Theft Rate296.0763.2

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Fort Worth, you have a 1 in 42 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 25 in Austin.

Climate: Fort Worth vs Austin

Fort Worth Climate Overview

Annual High76.8°F
Annual Low55.5°F
Annual Rain34.3"
Annual Snow1.5"
Comfortable Months6
Best MonthOctober
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ColdComfortableWarmHot

Austin Climate Overview

Annual High80.2°F
Annual Low58.7°F
Annual Rain33.9"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months5
Best MonthApril
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarmHot

Monthly Temperature Comparison

Fort WorthAustinHigh/Low °F range
40°60°80°100°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
MetricFort WorthAustin
Avg Annual High76.8°F80.2°F
Avg Annual Low55.5°F58.7°F
Annual Rain34.3"33.9"
Annual Snow1.5"None
Comfortable Months65
Freezing Months00

Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but Fort Worth is 7°F colder in winter than Austin. Fort Worth gets 2 inches of snow annually, while Austin rarely sees any. Fort Worth has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fort Worth cheaper than Austin?
Fort Worth is 20% more affordable than Austin, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 120 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,136/mo in Fort Worth vs $2,990/mo in Austin.
Is Fort Worth safer than Austin?
Fort Worth is 40% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.7 per 1,000 residents vs Austin's 39.5. Fort Worth earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Which city has better weather, Fort Worth or Austin?
Austin is 3.4000000000000057°F warmer on average as Fort Worth. Fort Worth has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Annual snow: Fort Worth gets 2", Austin gets none.
Should I move to Fort Worth or Austin?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth is safer (C+ grade). Fort Worth is more affordable (index 100 vs 120). Fort Worth has better year-round weather. Fort Worth has a population of 1,028,117 and Austin has 1,002,632. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Fort Worth compared to Austin?
Fort Worth has a population of 1,028,117 and Austin has 1,002,632. Fort Worth is 3% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Fort Worth or Austin?
Housing is cheaper in Fort Worth. Estimated monthly housing costs: Fort Worth $2,136/mo vs Austin $2,990/mo. That's based on a housing index of 120 vs 168 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
Fort Worth Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
D-
Austin Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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