Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Arlington is 51% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,389/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 31%
$73,519/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 18%
$276,400 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 39%
$1,420/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 33%
394,769
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $430/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $5,160/year.

Median household income is $13,226/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Arlington 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 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $430/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $13,226/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Indiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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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