đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Fort Worth and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Fort Worth vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Fort Worth | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $77,082 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $332,995 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $172 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,384 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 117.8 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 105.0 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.35 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 589.0 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 33.8% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 35 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Welcome to the ultimate relocation showdown. You're standing at a crossroads between two American powerhouses that couldn't be more different in personality, yet they fight for the same soul: affordability, culture, and a place to call home.
On one side, we have Fort Worth, Texas—the "Panther City." It's the cowboy-boot-wearing, sun-soaked younger brother to Dallas, rapidly growing into a tech and culture hub in its own right.
On the other, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—the "City of Brotherly Love." It's the gritty, historic underdog with a chip on its shoulder, offering East Coast grit without the Manhattan price tag.
Let's break down the data, the vibes, and the real-life trade-offs to see which city deserves your one-way ticket.
The Vibe Check: Where the West Begins vs. Where America Began
Fort Worth is pure Texas swagger. The vibe here is "New West meets Tech Cowboy." You’ll see suits in the Cultural District and boots in the Stockyards. It’s sprawling, sunny, and unapologetically friendly. The city is booming—if you want a place where growth feels tangible and the future looks bright, this is it. It’s for the person who wants space, sun, and a strong sense of local pride.
Philadelphia is East Coast intensity dialed down to a simmer. It’s walkable, historical, and fiercely authentic. The energy is fast-paced but not frantic like NYC. It’s a city of neighborhoods, cheesesteaks, and underdog resilience. It’s for the history buff, the urbanite who wants walkability, and the person who prefers seasons over endless summer.
Who is it for?
- Fort Worth: The young professional who wants a backyard, the family needing space to breathe, and the career-driven individual in aerospace, energy, or tech.
- Philadelphia: The creative, the student, the healthcare professional, and anyone who wants big-city amenities (museums, sports, transit) without the big-city price tag.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?
This is where the Texas Triangle starts to shine.
Let’s be real about the math. Texas has 0% state income tax, while Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07%. But the real kicker isn't just the tax rate; it's the median income vs. the cost of living.
If you earn the median salary in Fort Worth ($77,082), you are significantly wealthier than the median earner in Philadelphia ($60,302). Yet, the cost of living in Fort Worth is actually lower than the national average, while Philadelphia is slightly higher.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Category | Fort Worth, TX | Philadelphia, PA | The Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR Avg) | $1,384 | $1,451 | Fort Worth |
| Utilities (Monthly) | ~$150 | ~$160 | Fort Worth |
| Groceries | 9% below US Avg | 3% above US Avg | Fort Worth |
| Housing Index | 92.3 | 102.5 | Fort Worth |
Note: Housing Index is relative to the US average (100). Lower is cheaper.
The Purchasing Power Verdict:
If you make $100,000 in Philadelphia, you need to make about $115,000 in Fort Worth to maintain the exact same lifestyle. However, the median salary in Fort Worth is already 28% higher than in Philly.
Translation: You get paid more in Fort Worth, and your money buys more there. You avoid the "sticker shock" of East Coast prices while enjoying the financial boost of a booming Texas economy.
🚨 Dealbreaker Alert: While groceries and rent are cheaper in Fort Worth, car insurance and gas will likely be more expensive. You need a car in Texas. In Philly, you can (and should) ditch the car and rely on the SEPTA, saving you thousands in insurance and maintenance.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Fort Worth: The Seller’s Playground
Fort Worth is hot. The median home price is $345,000. While that’s higher than Philly’s raw number, the market is fueled by high salaries and population growth. It is currently a Seller's Market. Inventory is tight, and if you see a house you like, you better put an offer in immediately. Renting is viable, but buying feels like a race against rising interest rates and neighbor investors.
Philadelphia: The Renter’s Paradise
Philly is a unique beast. The median home price is a shockingly low $285,000. That is an incredible entry point for a major Northeast metro. However, the property taxes in Philadelphia County are notoriously high, which eats into that monthly savings.
The rental market in Philly is robust. Because of the massive student and medical populations, there is high turnover and plenty of inventory. It is much more of a Renter's Market than Fort Worth.
Winner for Buyers: Philadelphia (if you can handle the taxes).
Winner for Renters: Fort Worth (lower rent + higher salary = easier savings).
The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety
Traffic & Commute
Fort Worth: You are driving. The transit system (The T) is limited. Traffic on I-35W and 820 can be brutal during rush hour. The sprawl means your "10-mile" commute can easily take 40 minutes.
Philadelphia: You are walking or riding. Philly is the 5th most walkable city in the US. The "Subway-Surface" lines and Regional Rail make getting around surprisingly easy. Traffic exists (I-76 is a nightmare), but you have alternatives.
Weather
Fort Worth: The data says 39°F average in winter, but don't be fooled. Fort Worth summers are no joke. We are talking highs of 95°F+ for months with suffocating humidity. You trade snow for heatstroke.
Philadelphia: The data says 30°F, and it means it. Philly winters are gray, slushy, and bitter. But the summers? Absolutely beautiful. Low 80s, sunny, perfect for being outside.
The Weather Winner: It’s a toss-up based on preference. Do you prefer shoveling snow or hiding from the sun? I give the edge to Philadelphia for having four distinct, beautiful seasons and milder summers.
Crime & Safety
Let’s not sugarcoat this. Both cities have crime rates higher than the national average.
- Fort Worth Violent Crime: 589.0 per 100k
- Philadelphia Violent Crime: 726.5 per 100k
Philadelphia is statistically more dangerous, particularly regarding violent crime. However, crime in Philly is heavily concentrated in specific neighborhoods. If you live in Center City, Fitler Square, or East Passyunk, you are generally very safe.
Fort Worth’s crime is more spread out. While the number is lower, you can’t just "pick a safe neighborhood" and assume you're immune. The gap is narrowing as Fort Worth grows.
⚠️ Safety Reality Check: Philadelphia requires more "street smarts" and neighborhood research. Fort Worth feels safer on the surface, but the stats suggest you still need to be vigilant.
The Final Verdict: Where Should You Move?
After breaking down the data, the culture, and the costs, here is the final tally.
🏆 Winner for Families: Fort Worth
- Why: The math is undeniable. A median income of $77k with a median home price of $345k creates a sustainable lifestyle that is getting harder to find in Philly. You get better schools (on average), safer sprawling suburbs, and a backyard for the kids to run in. The "community" feel in Fort Worth suburbs is strong.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Pros: Philadelphia
- Why: If you're young, you want walkability, nightlife, and dating pools. Philly delivers that in spades. The lower median income doesn't hurt as much if you don't have a car payment (because you don't need a car). The culture is rich, the history is unmatched, and the social scene is vibrant. You pay a little more in rent, but you gain a life that feels like a "big city" experience.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Fort Worth
- Why: Access to top-tier medical care (Texas Health Resources) is excellent. The tax situation is a massive win (no state income tax on 401k withdrawals). The winters are mild, making it easier on the joints. While Philly has great healthcare, the brutal winters and higher taxes make Fort Worth the financially smarter and physically easier choice for the golden years.
Final Snapshot: Pros & Cons
Fort Worth, TX
Pros:
- 0% State Income Tax (Big savings).
- Higher Median Income ($77k vs $60k).
- Lower Cost of Living (Rent, Groceries, Utilities).
- Booming Job Market (Tech/Aerospace).
- Mild Winters.
Cons:
- Brutal Summers (90°F+ is standard).
- Car Dependent (Traffic and sprawl).
- Sprawling (Lacks the walkable density of the East Coast).
- Higher Violent Crime (Trend is rising).
Philadelphia, PA
Pros:
- Incredibly Walkable (Car optional).
- Rich History & Culture (Museums, Old City).
- Lower Home Price ($285k median).
- Four Seasons (Beautiful autumns).
- Proximity (Close to NYC, DC, Jersey Shore).
Cons:
- High Taxes (State income tax + high property tax).
- Lower Median Income (Salary growth is slower).
- Harsh Winters (Snow and gray skies).
- Higher Violent Crime Rate (Requires vigilance).
- Dated Infrastructure (Potholes are a lifestyle here).
Planning a Move?
Use our AI-powered calculator to estimate your expenses from Fort Worth to Philadelphia.