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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Hayward

California
200

Fort Wayne is 68% cheaper than Hayward.

$959/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 146%
$60,293/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 89%
$169,700 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 384%
$950/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 155%
266,235
Population
159,201

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,401/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $16,812/year.

Median household income is $53,482/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Hayward — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Hayward?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,401/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Hayward?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $53,482/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Hayward details →

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