The overall cost of living in Fort Worth is lower than the national average.
| Photo by @duchessdjlove
This week, the Fort Worth City Council approved the 2026 fiscal year city budget — and we’re here to turn a lot of words into a few short bullet points.
Flat tax rate
The total operating budget for 2026 will be $3.09 billion and will include a property tax decrease of one-quarter of a cent. The new tax rate is 67 cents per $100 valuation.
Where taxpayer dollars go
City Council approved the recommended budget — including a $1.1 billion general budget fund — based on five council priorities:
Community safety — think: addition of neighborhood police officers
Infrastructure — think: street maintenance and larger water-treatment facilities
Community investment — think: the expansion of the Mobile Tool Shed Program
Economic development — think: the Will Rogers complex upgrades
You read that right. Since the city will be increasing fees on stormwater, wastewater, and trash pick-up, we thought now would be a great time to revisit the average cost of living in FTW already.
We get it — financial jargon can be confusing and overwhelming, so we’re debunking a few common myths to help put your mind at ease.
“I need a large amount of money to get started.” | At United Texas Credit Union, the minimum opening deposit is as low as $500.
“My money won’t be fully protected.” | Accounts are insured up to $250,000, and you can open an unlimited number of accounts.
“I won’t be able to access my money for a long time.” | Terms are flexible, ranging from six months to five years, so you can choose what fits your goals.
“I could miss out on higher rates.” | Flexible terms and unlimited accounts allow you to stagger the maturity dates of certificates, aka certificate laddering.
Today is National Cheeseburger Day. Don’t miss these juicy deals. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Edu
The Fort Worth ISD has announced an improvement plan that is going to support struggling campuses. No word yet on which campuses these are. At next week’s school board meeting, the board will present this plan, placing several schools under the TEA’s Resource Campus model next school year. (WFAA)
Theater
Hip Pocket Theatre has canceled the final production of its 49th season. Contact its box office if you have already purchased tickets. Read its official statement on Instagram, and prepare for its 50th season and a Twilight Soiree starting Friday, Oct. 31.
Shop
The shoe brand Adidas and sports store Hibbett’s will launch a unisex State Fair of Texas-themed sneaker this Saturday, Sept. 20 at 9 a.m. Only 1,320 pairs will be up for grabs, each with a price tag of $100. The pair will feature elements like a corndog and a Ferris wheel. (CultureMap Fort Worth)
Gallery
WFAA’s Scoop Jefferson shared pictures from Police Chief Eddie Garcia’s swearing-in ceremony yesterday.
Sports
It’s Iron Skillet Week. Catch the TCU Horned Frogs and the SMU Mustangs go head-to-head at the Amon G. Carter Stadium this Saturday, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Horned Frogs with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Health
Thanks to House Bill 46, Texans with chronic pain now qualify for medical cannabis under the Compassionate Use Program. The bill also allows cannabis products to be offered in new forms, including inhalers + nebulizers. Check your eligibility and unlock a limited-time offer.*†
Older Adults
Who says downsizing can’t be an upgrade? This 62+ luxury living community located behind the historic Fort Worth Public Market proves it can. We’re talking spacious kitchens with islands, quartz countertops, wood-style flooring, VIP perks, and more. Too good to be true? It’s not.*
Real Estate
Oxenfree West Oak, a new single-family and townhome community just 20 minutes from downtown Fort Worth, is officially on the map. Virtually explore eight floor plans with big style, and zero-maintenance living. We’ll give you a hint — patios, open-concept kitchens, and high-end finishes are all included.*
Biz
Why are the same firms that backed Uber, Venmo, and eBay also backing Pacaso(Nasdaq ticker reserved: $PCSO)? Because it’s disrupting the $1.3 trillion vacation home market with co-ownership, already earning $110 million+ in gross profit in under five years. (And until midnight, you can join the 10,000+ shareholders.)†‡*
Our annual Holiday Gift Guide is making a comeback, and we want to feature your business.
We know, we know — it’s only September. But the early bird gets the worm, right?
That’s why we’re offering 20% off inclusion in our 2025 guide now through Wednesday, Oct. 1. Secure your spot to promote your business’ one-of-a-kind gift, festive product, or unique service.
A great deal on a clothes steamer. Snag HiLIFE’s portable, handheld steamer while it’s 35% off — the steamer is quick to heat up, easy to use, and perfect for garment touch-ups without hauling out the ironing board.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
You’ve heard of the Katy Trail in Dallas, but have you heard of the “Date-y Trail?” A Dallas influencer made her singles mixer go viral over the summer for rebranding the Katy Trail as a place you can find connection. Founder Abbey is now bringing her event to Fort Worth. This Friday at 7 p.m., a 35+ singles mixer is planned for Billy Bob’s.
Unfortunately for the ladies, tickets are all sold out. But fortunately for men, there’s still plenty of room, and they can use code FREETICKET to get a free access to the mixer and Old 97’s concert. So send this to your 35+ brother, cousin, best guy friend, or coworker — and tell them we’re rooting for them.
‡‡Finance “investment method” disclaimer: This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the Nasdaq is subject to approvals. Comparisons to other companies are for informational purposes only and should not imply similar success. Under Regulation A+, a company has the ability to change its share price by up to 20%, without requalifying the offering with the SEC.
}})
