Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Fort Wayne is 40% cheaper than Clearwater.

$959/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 60%
$60,293/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 7%
$169,700 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 92%
$950/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 49%
266,235
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $580/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $6,960/year.

Median household income is $4,147/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Clearwater?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $580/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Clearwater?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $4,147/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Florida?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Clearwater details →

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