Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Fort Wayne is 22% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$959/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 20%
$60,293/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 1%
$169,700 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 53%
$950/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 17%
266,235
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $735/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $735/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Tennessee?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Chattanooga details →

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