Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Fort Wayne and Cedar Rapids have a similar cost of living.

$959/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 4%
$60,293/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↑ 13%
$169,700 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$177,100 ↑ 4%
$950/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↑ 14%
266,235
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,566/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $7,566/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Iowa?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Cedar Rapids details →

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