Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Des Moines, IA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Des Moines

Iowa
70

Fort Wayne is 10% cheaper than Des Moines.

$959/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,054/mo ↑ 10%
$60,293/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$63,966/yr ↑ 6%
$169,700 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$183,700 ↑ 8%
$950/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,137/mo ↑ 20%
266,235
Population
212,464

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Des Moines, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 70 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $3,673/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $183,700 in Des Moines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Des Moines — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Des Moines?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Des Moines it's $1,054/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Des Moines?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $63,966 in Des Moines. Median household income is $3,673/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Iowa?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Des Moines?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with rent of $1,054/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Des Moines details →

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