Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Anaheim is 119% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$2,082/mo ↑ 117%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 54%
$90,583/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 33%
$771,700 ↑ 355%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 78%
$2,165/mo ↑ 128%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 56%
344,553
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,123/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $13,476/year.

Median household income is $30,290/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Anaheim 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 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $1,123/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $30,290/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/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.
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