Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Fort Wayne is 74% cheaper than Cambridge.

$959/mo ↓ 65%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 186%
$60,293/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 110%
$169,700 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 513%
$950/mo ↓ 64%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 177%
266,235
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,783/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $21,396/year.

Median household income is $66,176/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Cambridge?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,783/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Cambridge?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $66,176/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Massachusetts?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Cambridge details →

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