Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Fort Wayne

Indiana

Albuquerque is 17% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,085/mo ↑ 13%

Median Rent

$959/mo ↓ 12%

$65,604/yr ↑ 9%

Median Income

$60,293/yr ↓ 8%

$266,700 ↑ 57%

Home Value

$169,700 ↓ 36%

$1,149/mo ↑ 21%

Owner Costs

$950/mo ↓ 17%

562,488

Population

266,235

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

3.05%

5.0%

Sales Tax

7.0%

0.67%

Property Tax

0.83%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

19.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $126/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,512/year.

Median household income is $5,311/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Wayne slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Fort Wayne cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 80 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Fort Wayne?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $126/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Fort Wayne?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $5,311/year higher in Albuquerque.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Indiana?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Fort Wayne?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with rent of $959/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.