Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Fort Wayne is 75% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$959/mo ↓ 64%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 179%
$60,293/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 131%
$169,700 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 582%
$950/mo ↓ 66%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 195%
266,235
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,719/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $20,628/year.

Median household income is $79,033/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,719/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $79,033/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Carlsbad details →

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