Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Billings, MT (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Fort Wayne is 27% cheaper than Billings.

$959/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 14%
$60,293/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 19%
$169,700 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 84%
$950/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 24%
266,235
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
6.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $11,562/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Billings — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Billings?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Billings?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $11,562/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Montana?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Billings

Fort Wayne vs. Toledo Fort Wayne vs. Lubbock Fort Wayne vs. Reno Fort Wayne vs. St. Petersburg Fort Wayne vs. North Las Vegas Fort Wayne vs. Laredo Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston