Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Chesapeake, VA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Chesapeake

Virginia
112

Fort Wayne is 44% cheaper than Chesapeake.

$959/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,523/mo ↑ 59%
$60,293/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$94,189/yr ↑ 56%
$169,700 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$359,100 ↑ 112%
$950/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,680/mo ↑ 77%
266,235
Population
251,153

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Chesapeake, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $564/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $6,768/year.

Median household income is $33,896/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $359,100 in Chesapeake.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Chesapeake — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Chesapeake cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Chesapeake?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Chesapeake it's $1,523/month — a difference of $564/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Chesapeake?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $94,189 in Chesapeake. Median household income is $33,896/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Virginia?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Chesapeake?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,523/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Chesapeake details →

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