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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Fontana

California
146

Fort Wayne is 57% cheaper than Fontana.

$959/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 81%
$60,293/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 63%
$169,700 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 229%
$950/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 109%
266,235
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $774/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $9,288/year.

Median household income is $37,894/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Fontana — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Fontana?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $774/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Fontana?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $37,894/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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