Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Independence, MO (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Fort Wayne is 6% cheaper than Independence.

$959/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↑ 11%
$60,293/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 1%
$169,700 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 2%
$950/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↑ 10%
266,235
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $102/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,224/year.

Median household income is $813/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Independence — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Independence?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $102/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Independence?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $813/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Missouri?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Independence details →

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