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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Downey

California
169

Fort Wayne is 63% cheaper than Downey.

$959/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 97%
$60,293/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 45%
$169,700 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 329%
$950/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 110%
266,235
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $933/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $11,196/year.

Median household income is $27,107/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Downey — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Downey?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $933/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Downey?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $27,107/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Downey details →

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