Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Garland, TX (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Garland

Texas
96

Fort Wayne is 34% cheaper than Garland.

$959/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,525/mo ↑ 59%
$60,293/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$74,717/yr ↑ 24%
$169,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$248,900 ↑ 47%
$950/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,445/mo ↑ 52%
266,235
Population
245,298

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Garland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 96 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $566/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $6,792/year.

Median household income is $14,424/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $248,900 in Garland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Garland — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Garland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Garland?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Garland it's $1,525/month — a difference of $566/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Garland?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $74,717 in Garland. Median household income is $14,424/year higher in Garland.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Texas?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Garland?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Garland has a cost index of 96 with rent of $1,525/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Garland details →

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