Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Atlanta is 94% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,617/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 41%
$81,938/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 26%
$420,600 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 60%
$1,695/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 44%
499,287
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
3.05%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $658/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $7,896/year.

Median household income is $21,645/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Atlanta 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 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $658/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $21,645/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Indiana?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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.
View Atlanta details → View Fort Wayne details →

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