Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Fort Wayne is 48% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$959/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 62%
$60,293/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 34%
$169,700 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 156%
$950/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 72%
266,235
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $593/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $7,116/year.

Median household income is $20,796/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $593/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $20,796/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Michigan?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Ann Arbor details →

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