Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Columbus, GA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Fort Wayne is 9% cheaper than Columbus.

$959/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↑ 12%
$60,293/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 6%
$169,700 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$182,300 ↑ 7%
$950/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↑ 12%
266,235
Population
204,383

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $3,671/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Columbus — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Columbus?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Columbus?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $3,671/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Georgia?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Columbus details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Columbus

Fort Wayne vs. Toledo Fort Wayne vs. Lubbock Fort Wayne vs. Reno Fort Wayne vs. St. Petersburg Fort Wayne vs. North Las Vegas Fort Wayne vs. Laredo Columbus vs. Worcester Columbus vs. Salt Lake City Columbus vs. Cape Coral Columbus vs. Little Rock Columbus vs. Yonkers Columbus vs. McKinney