Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Baton Rouge, LA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73

Fort Wayne is 14% cheaper than Baton Rouge.

$959/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,044/mo ↑ 9%
$60,293/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$49,944/yr ↓ 17%
$169,700 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$224,500 ↑ 32%
$950/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,043/mo ↑ 10%
266,235
Population
223,699

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Baton Rouge, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $10,349/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $224,500 in Baton Rouge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Baton Rouge — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Baton Rouge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Baton Rouge?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Baton Rouge it's $1,044/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Baton Rouge?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $49,944 in Baton Rouge. Median household income is $10,349/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Louisiana?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Baton Rouge?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,044/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Baton Rouge details →

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