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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Clarksville

Tennessee
83

Fort Wayne is 24% cheaper than Clarksville.

$959/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,215/mo ↑ 27%
$60,293/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$66,786/yr ↑ 11%
$169,700 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$236,100 ↑ 39%
$950/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,254/mo ↑ 32%
266,235
Population
171,897

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
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Clarksville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $6,493/year higher in Clarksville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $236,100 in Clarksville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Clarksville — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Clarksville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Clarksville?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Clarksville it's $1,215/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Clarksville?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $66,786 in Clarksville. Median household income is $6,493/year higher in Clarksville.
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 Clarksville?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Clarksville has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,215/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Clarksville details →

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