Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Fort Wayne is 55% cheaper than Lakewood.

$959/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 82%
$60,293/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 42%
$169,700 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 223%
$950/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 82%
266,235
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $787/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $9,444/year.

Median household income is $25,496/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Lakewood?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $787/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Lakewood?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $25,496/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Colorado?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Lakewood details →

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