Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Fort Wayne and Birmingham have a similar cost of living.

$959/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↑ 9%
$60,293/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 26%
$169,700 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 18%
$950/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↑ 4%
266,235
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $15,917/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 63 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Birmingham?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Birmingham?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $15,917/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Alabama?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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