Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Fort Wayne is 20% cheaper than Allentown.

$959/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 32%
$60,293/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 11%
$169,700 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 11%
$950/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 31%
266,235
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $6,890/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Allentown — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Allentown?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $310/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Allentown?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $6,890/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Pennsylvania?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Allentown details →

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