Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Durham is 67% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,412/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 32%
$79,234/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 24%
$355,300 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 52%
$1,434/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 34%
288,465
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $18,941/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Durham 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 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $18,941/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Indiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Fort Wayne details →

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