Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Fort Wayne is 49% cheaper than Lancaster.

$959/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 77%
$60,293/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 26%
$169,700 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 141%
$950/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 84%
266,235
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $737/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $8,844/year.

Median household income is $15,790/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Lancaster?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $737/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Lancaster?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $15,790/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Lancaster details →

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