Fort Worth vs Redmond

Category / Metric	Fort Worth	Redmond
Financial Overview
Median Income	$77,082	$172,979
Unemployment Rate	4%	4%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$332,995	$1,350,000
Price per SqFt	$172	$625
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,384	$1,864
Housing Cost Index	117.8	151.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.0	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.35	$3.65
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	589.0	372.1
Bachelor's Degree+	34%	76%
Air Quality (AQI)	35	45

Fort Worth vs. Redmond: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing between Fort Worth and Redmond isn't just picking a place to live; it's choosing a lifestyle, a career path, and a financial future. On the surface, they’re both mid-sized cities with strong job markets, but the similarities end there. One is a sprawling, historic Texas metropolis with cowboy roots and a booming tech scene. The other is a meticulously planned, affluent tech hub nestled in the Pacific Northwest’s "Eastside," minutes from Seattle.

This isn't a coin toss. This is a deep dive into the data, the culture, and the hidden costs that could make or break your move. Let’s get to it.

The Vibe Check: Cowtown vs. Corporate Campus

Fort Worth is where the Old West shakes hands with the New South. It’s the "Cowtown" that proudly wears its history on its sleeve—think the Fort Worth Stockyards, world-class museums like the Kimbell Art Museum, and a downtown skyline that mixes glass towers with historic brick. The vibe is laid-back, friendly, and unpretentious. There's a palpable energy here, fueled by rapid growth, a booming aerospace and defense sector, and a burgeoning tech scene (thanks to companies like Lockheed Martin and a massive Amazon presence). It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality, from the artsy Near Southside to the family-friendly suburbs of Keller and Southlake.

Redmond feels like a city built for a specific type of person: the well-compensated tech professional. It’s the "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest," home to Microsoft's sprawling campus and Nintendo of America. The vibe is clean, orderly, and intensely family-oriented. The city is carved into master-planned communities, surrounded by lush greenbelts and parks. It’s less about gritty character and more about quiet efficiency—excellent schools, safe streets, and a direct line to Seattle’s urban offerings, but without the chaos. If Fort Worth is a lively backyard barbecue, Redmond is a meticulously organized, catered garden party.

Who is each city for?

• Fort Worth is for the person who wants big-city amenities without the jaw-dropping price tag, values culture and history, and doesn't mind a little humidity or a long drive across town.
• Redmond is for the person whose career is anchored to the tech industry, prioritizes top-tier public schools and outdoor access, and has the salary to match the cost of living.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like a Fortune?

This is where the showdown gets real. You might earn more in Redmond, but your money might stretch further in Fort Worth. Let’s break it down.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Category	Fort Worth	Redmond	The Takeaway
Median Income	$77,082	$172,979	Redmond's income is 124% higher, but...
Median Home Price	$332,995	$1,350,000	Fort Worth homes are 75% cheaper.
Rent (1BR)	$1,384	$1,864	Rent is 35% higher in Redmond.
Housing Index	117.8	151.5	Redmond's housing is 29% more expensive relative to national averages.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s say you earn the median income in each city. In Fort Worth, your $77,082 goes surprisingly far. In Redmond, your $172,979 has to fight a much tougher battle.

The biggest factor? Texas has 0% state income tax. California (where Redmond is often grouped with) has some of the highest in the nation. A single filer earning $170,000 in California would pay roughly $16,000 in state income tax. In Texas, that’s $0. That’s an instant $1,300+ per month boost to your take-home pay in Fort Worth.

The Verdict on Purchasing Power:
If you earn a competitive tech salary (say $150,000+), you will have a fantastic, upper-middle-class life in Fort Worth. You could afford a large home in a great neighborhood, two cars, and plenty of disposable income. In Redmond, that same $150,000 salary puts you firmly in the middle of the pack, where housing costs will consume a massive chunk of your budget. The $100,000 income gap between the medians isn't enough to offset the 75% higher home prices.

Winner for Dollar Power: Fort Worth. The math is undeniable. Your money simply buys more space, comfort, and freedom here.

The Housing Market: To Buy or Rent?

Fort Worth:
The market is competitive but accessible. With a median home price of $332,995, homeownership is a realistic goal for many professionals. The market is a mix of new construction on the outskirts and charming, renovated bungalows in central neighborhoods. As a buyer, you'll face competition, but it's more likely to be a bidding war that raises the price by $10,000, not $200,000. Renting is also a strong, affordable option, with plenty of inventory.

Redmond:
This is a different universe. The median home price of $1,350,000 is a barrier to entry for all but the most highly paid or those with significant equity. The market is a relentless seller's market. Homes often sell for 20-30% over asking price within days, frequently with all-cash offers. Renting is the default for many, even those with high salaries, as saving for a down payment on a seven-figure asset is a monumental task. The Housing Index of 151.5 confirms this is one of the most expensive markets in the country.

The Verdict:

• Buyer's Market (Relatively): Fort Worth.
• Renter's Market (De Facto): Redmond.

If your dream is to own a detached home with a yard, Fort Worth offers a path. In Redmond, that dream often requires a dual high-income household or a prior stint in a cheaper market.

The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Safety

Traffic & Commute:

• Fort Worth: Traffic is real, but it's a "Texas-sized" sprawl problem. Commutes can be long (30-60 minutes is common), but you often get more space for the drive. Public transit (TEXRail, Trinity Metro) exists but is limited. The big advantage? You can often live close to work or choose a suburb that aligns with your job, and traffic is more predictable than in many coastal cities.
• Redmond: The commute can be a nightmare. While the city itself is compact, getting to/from Seattle (a common commute for non-tech workers or to access the city) via I-405 is notoriously congested. The "Eastside" commute is a major stressor. However, the city is highly bikeable, and many tech workers live within a short drive or bike ride of campus, mitigating the worst of it.

Weather:

• Fort Worth: This is a dealbreaker for some. Summers are brutally hot, with highs frequently hitting 95-100°F+ and high humidity. Winters are mild but can have ice storms. The 57°F average is misleading; it's a climate of extremes.
• Redmond: The 48°F average is also misleading. The region is famous for its "drizzle" and overcast skies from fall through spring. Summers are glorious—mild, dry, and sunny. If you thrive in crisp air, green landscapes, and don't mind gray skies, Redmond is perfect. If you need constant sunshine, it's a hard pass.

Crime & Safety:

• Fort Worth: With a violent crime rate of 589.0/100k, it's higher than the national average. Like any large city, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like the Cultural District and parts of the suburbs are very safe, while others have higher crime rates. It requires more research to find a safe, affordable pocket.
• Redmond: The violent crime rate of 372.1/100k is significantly lower than Fort Worth's. It's consistently ranked as one of the safest cities of its size in the U.S. The city is well-patrolled, family-centric, and has a low crime profile overall. This is a major point in Redmond's favor.

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart?

There is no universal winner. The right choice depends entirely on your priorities, career, and life stage.

🏆 Winner for Families: Redmond

For families with children, Redmond is hard to beat. The public schools are consistently top-tier (a massive priority for the tech demographic), the crime rate is low, and the community is built for kids with endless parks, trails, and family-friendly events. The price is high, but the investment in education and safety is the trade-off. (Honorable Mention: Fort Worth suburbs like Keller and Southlake offer excellent schools at a fraction of the cost.)

🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Fort Worth

If you're early in your career, want a vibrant social scene without a Manhattan price tag, and value cultural experiences, Fort Worth is your city. You can afford a nice apartment downtown, enjoy a thriving restaurant and bar scene, and be part of a growing, dynamic city. The cost of living allows you to build savings and enjoy life. In Redmond, you'd be priced into a roommate situation or a long commute.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Fort Worth

For retirees, Fort Worth offers a better combination of affordability, mild winters (no shoveling snow!), and cultural amenities. You can sell a home in a high-cost area and buy a beautiful, low-maintenance home in Fort Worth with cash to spare. The tax benefits (no state income tax on pensions/401k withdrawals) are a huge plus. Redmond's high cost of living and gray winters can be less appealing on a fixed income.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Fort Worth

PROS:

• Affordable Housing: Median home price is $332,995.
• 0% State Income Tax: Significant savings on take-home pay.
• Cultural Richness: World-class museums, performing arts, and historic districts.
• Job Market Diversity: Strong in aerospace, defense, healthcare, and growing tech.
• Vibrant & Growing: Feels like a city on the rise.

CONS:

• Summer Heat & Humidity: Can be oppressive for months.
• Higher Violent Crime Rate: 589.0/100k requires neighborhood research.
• Urban Sprawl & Traffic: Long commutes are common.
• Car Dependency: Limited public transit options.

Redmond

PROS:

• High Salaries: Median income of $172,979 reflects the tech industry.
• Top-Tier Public Schools: A major draw for families.
• Low Crime: A safe, secure community.
• Outdoor Access: Biking, hiking, and parks are integrated into the city.
• Proximity to Seattle: Easy access to a major metropolitan hub.

CONS:

• Extreme Cost of Living: Median home price of $1,350,000 is a massive barrier.
• Gray, Wet Winters: The "drizzle" season can be long and gloomy.
• Tech-Centric Culture: Can feel homogeneous if you're not in the industry.
• Competitive Housing Market: Buying a home is a fierce, often losing battle.
• Traffic Congestion: The I-405 corridor is notoriously busy.

The Bottom Line: Choose Fort Worth if you want your money to stretch, crave culture and sunshine, and are okay with a more traditional city feel. Choose Redmond if your career is in tech, you prioritize schools and safety above all, and you have the salary to afford its premium lifestyle.