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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Akron

Ohio
55

Fort Wayne is 15% more expensive than Akron.

$959/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$930/mo ↓ 3%
$60,293/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$48,544/yr ↓ 19%
$169,700 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$111,200 ↓ 34%
$950/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$904/mo ↓ 5%
266,235
Population
189,526

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Akron, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 55 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,749/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $111,200 in Akron.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Akron — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Akron cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 63 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Akron?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Akron it's $930/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Akron?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $48,544 in Akron. Median household income is $11,749/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Ohio?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Akron?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Akron has a cost index of 55 with rent of $930/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Akron details →

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