Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Fort Wayne is 72% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$959/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 150%
$60,293/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 83%
$169,700 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 522%
$950/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 159%
266,235
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,436/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $17,232/year.

Median household income is $49,780/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,436/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $49,780/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Costa Mesa details →

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