Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Jackson, MS (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Jackson

Mississippi
58

Fort Wayne is 9% more expensive than Jackson.

$959/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,018/mo ↑ 6%
$60,293/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$43,238/yr ↓ 28%
$169,700 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$108,200 ↓ 36%
$950/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$956/mo ≈ Same
266,235
Population
149,827

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Jackson, MS, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $59/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $708/year.

Median household income is $17,055/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $108,200 in Jackson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Jackson — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Jackson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jackson is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 63 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Jackson?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Jackson it's $1,018/month — a difference of $59/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Jackson?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $43,238 in Jackson. Median household income is $17,055/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Mississippi?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Mississippi has 5.0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Jackson?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Jackson has a cost index of 58 with rent of $1,018/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Jackson details →

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