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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Fort Wayne is 52% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$959/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 85%
$60,293/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 33%
$169,700 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 168%
$950/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 87%
266,235
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $817/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $9,804/year.

Median household income is $19,642/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $817/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $19,642/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Florida?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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