Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Baltimore is 33% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,290/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 26%
$59,623/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↑ 1%
$219,300 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 23%
$1,333/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 29%
577,193
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $670/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Baltimore 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 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $670/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Indiana?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Fort Wayne details →

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