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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Fort Wayne is 21% cheaper than Columbia.

$959/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↑ 21%
$60,293/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 8%
$169,700 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$243,500 ↑ 43%
$950/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↑ 23%
266,235
Population
138,019

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $4,640/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Columbia — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Columbia?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Columbia?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $4,640/year higher in Fort Wayne.
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 Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Columbia details →

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