Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Fort Wayne is 18% cheaper than Lafayette.

$959/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 11%
$60,293/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 2%
$169,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 48%
$950/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 11%
266,235
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $1,161/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Lafayette?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Lafayette?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $1,161/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Louisiana?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Lafayette details →

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