Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Cary, NC (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Fort Wayne is 53% cheaper than Cary.

$959/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 69%
$60,293/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 115%
$169,700 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 209%
$950/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 84%
266,235
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $662/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $7,944/year.

Median household income is $69,106/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Cary — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Cary?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $662/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Cary?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $69,106/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and North Carolina?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Cary details →

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