Fort Wayne, IN vs Aurora, IL: 63 vs 100

$959/mo ↓ 38%

Median Rent

$1,535/mo ↑ 60%

$60,293/yr ↓ 33%

Median Income

$90,109/yr ↑ 49%

$169,700 ↓ 35%

Home Value

$260,400 ↑ 53%

$950/mo ↓ 40%

Owner Costs

$1,591/mo ↑ 67%

266,235

Population

179,867

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $576/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $6,912/year.

Median household income is $29,816/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Aurora — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Aurora cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 100 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Aurora?

Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $576/month.

Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Aurora?

Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $29,816/year higher in Aurora.

How do taxes compare between Indiana and Illinois?

Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.

Should I move to Fort Wayne or Aurora?

It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Aurora, IL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Aurora

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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