Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Fort Wayne is 42% cheaper than Brandon.

$959/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 76%
$60,293/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↑ 28%
$169,700 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$293,800 ↑ 73%
$950/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 63%
266,235
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $732/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $8,784/year.

Median household income is $16,775/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Brandon — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Brandon?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $732/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Brandon?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $16,775/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Florida?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Brandon details →

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