Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Dallas is 54% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,403/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 32%
$67,760/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 11%
$295,300 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 43%
$1,409/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 33%
1,299,553
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $7,467/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Dallas 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 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $7,467/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Indiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Fort Wayne details →

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