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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Fort Wayne is 54% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$959/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 73%
$60,293/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 39%
$169,700 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 223%
$950/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 78%
266,235
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $702/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $8,424/year.

Median household income is $23,305/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $702/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $23,305/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Colorado?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Fort Collins details →

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