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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Columbus is 32% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,224/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 22%
$65,327/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 8%
$234,500 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 28%
$1,243/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 24%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $5,034/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Columbus 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 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $5,034/year higher in Columbus.
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 Columbus or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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.
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