Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Athens, GA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Fort Wayne is 24% cheaper than Athens.

$959/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 21%
$60,293/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 14%
$169,700 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 60%
$950/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 22%
266,235
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $8,638/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Athens — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Athens?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Athens?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $8,638/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Georgia?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Athens details →

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