Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Fort Wayne is 28% cheaper than Joliet.

$959/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 29%
$60,293/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 46%
$169,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 46%
$950/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 55%
266,235
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $27,733/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Joliet — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Joliet?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Joliet?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $27,733/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Illinois?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Joliet details →

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