Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Huntsville, AL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Huntsville

Alabama
78

Fort Wayne is 19% cheaper than Huntsville.

$959/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,078/mo ↑ 12%
$60,293/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$70,778/yr ↑ 17%
$169,700 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$263,100 ↑ 55%
$950/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↑ 10%
266,235
Population
218,814

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Huntsville, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 78 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $10,485/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $263,100 in Huntsville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Huntsville — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Huntsville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Huntsville?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Huntsville it's $1,078/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Huntsville?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $70,778 in Huntsville. Median household income is $10,485/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Alabama?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Huntsville?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with rent of $1,078/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Huntsville details →

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