Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Knoxville, TN (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Fort Wayne is 15% cheaper than Knoxville.

$959/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 16%
$60,293/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 15%
$169,700 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$214,000 ↑ 26%
$950/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↑ 13%
266,235
Population
193,721

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $157/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,884/year.

Median household income is $9,299/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Knoxville?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $157/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Knoxville?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $9,299/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Tennessee?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Knoxville details →

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