Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Boston is 179% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$2,093/mo ↑ 118%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 54%
$94,755/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 36%
$710,400 ↑ 319%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 76%
$2,176/mo ↑ 129%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 56%
663,972
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,134/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $13,608/year.

Median household income is $34,462/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $1,134/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $34,462/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Indiana?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Fort Wayne details →

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