Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Fort Wayne is 75% cheaper than Bellevue.

$959/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 161%
$60,293/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 168%
$169,700 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 609%
$950/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 172%
266,235
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,546/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $18,552/year.

Median household income is $101,007/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Bellevue?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,546/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Bellevue?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $101,007/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Washington?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Bellevue details →

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