Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Kent, WA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Fort Wayne is 57% cheaper than Kent.

$959/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 91%
$60,293/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 50%
$169,700 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 217%
$950/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 102%
266,235
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $874/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $10,488/year.

Median household income is $30,123/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Kent — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Kent?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $874/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Kent?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $30,123/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Washington?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Kent

Fort Wayne vs. Toledo Fort Wayne vs. Lubbock Fort Wayne vs. Reno Fort Wayne vs. St. Petersburg Fort Wayne vs. North Las Vegas Fort Wayne vs. Laredo Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights