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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Fort Wayne is 11% more expensive than Evansville.

$959/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 1%
$60,293/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 13%
$169,700 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 24%
$950/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 3%
266,235
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,042/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Indiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Evansville — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 63 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Evansville?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Evansville?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $8,042/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Indiana?
Both cities are in Indiana and share the same state tax rates: 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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