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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Fort Wayne is 62% cheaper than Fairfield.

$959/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 128%
$60,293/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 70%
$169,700 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 249%
$950/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 134%
266,235
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,232/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $14,784/year.

Median household income is $42,028/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Fairfield?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,232/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Fairfield?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $42,028/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Fairfield details →

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