Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Fort Wayne is 51% cheaper than Charleston.

$959/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 70%
$60,293/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 49%
$169,700 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 176%
$950/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 78%
266,235
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $673/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $8,076/year.

Median household income is $29,745/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Charleston — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Charleston?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $673/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Charleston?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $29,745/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and South Carolina?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Charleston details →

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