Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Fort Wayne is 23% cheaper than Lakeland.

$959/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 35%
$60,293/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 1%
$169,700 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 35%
$950/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 21%
266,235
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $654/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Lakeland?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Lakeland?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $654/year higher in Lakeland.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Florida?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Lakeland details →

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