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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Fort Wayne is 14% cheaper than Fayetteville.

$959/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↑ 23%
$60,293/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 6%
$169,700 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$171,900 ↑ 1%
$950/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↑ 22%
266,235
Population
209,692

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $3,898/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $3,898/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and North Carolina?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Fayetteville details →

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