Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Fort Wayne is 44% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$959/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 53%
$60,293/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 6%
$169,700 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 132%
$950/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 62%
266,235
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $504/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $6,048/year.

Median household income is $3,581/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $504/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $3,581/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and New Jersey?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Elizabeth details →

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