Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Denver is 133% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,770/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 46%
$91,681/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 34%
$586,700 ↑ 246%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 71%
$1,839/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 48%
713,734
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
3.05%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $811/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $9,732/year.

Median household income is $31,388/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $811/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $31,388/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Indiana?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Fort Wayne details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Fort Wayne

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso 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