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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Fort Wayne is 68% cheaper than Fullerton.

$959/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 121%
$60,293/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 73%
$169,700 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 407%
$950/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 137%
266,235
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,165/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $13,980/year.

Median household income is $43,926/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Fullerton?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $1,165/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Fullerton?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $43,926/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Fullerton details →

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