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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Fort Wayne is 22% cheaper than Gainesville.

$959/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 27%
$60,293/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 24%
$169,700 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$235,000 ↑ 38%
$950/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↑ 23%
266,235
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $255/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $3,060/year.

Median household income is $14,682/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Gainesville?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $255/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Gainesville?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $14,682/year higher in Fort Wayne.
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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Gainesville details →

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