Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Cincinnati is 10% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$953/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$959/mo ≈ Same
$51,707/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↑ 17%
$215,300 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 21%
$1,041/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 9%
309,595
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,586/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Cincinnati 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 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $8,586/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Indiana?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Fort Wayne details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cincinnati and Fort Wayne

Cincinnati vs. Santa Ana Cincinnati vs. Irvine Cincinnati vs. Orlando Cincinnati vs. St. Paul Cincinnati vs. Riverside Cincinnati vs. Newark Fort Wayne vs. Toledo Fort Wayne vs. Lubbock Fort Wayne vs. Reno Fort Wayne vs. St. Petersburg Fort Wayne vs. North Las Vegas Fort Wayne vs. Laredo