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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Fort Wayne is 64% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$959/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 106%
$60,293/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 50%
$169,700 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 351%
$950/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 112%
266,235
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,012/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $12,144/year.

Median household income is $29,873/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $1,012/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $29,873/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Garden Grove details →

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