Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Chicago is 59% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,380/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 31%
$75,134/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 20%
$315,200 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 46%
$1,502/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 37%
2,707,648
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $421/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $5,052/year.

Median household income is $14,841/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Chicago 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $421/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $14,841/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Indiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Fort Wayne details →

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