Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Fort Wayne is 9% more expensive than Lansing.

$959/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↑ 2%
$60,293/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 13%
$169,700 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 30%
$950/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↑ 3%
266,235
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,123/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Lansing — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 63 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Lansing?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $17/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Lansing?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $8,123/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Michigan?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Lansing

Fort Wayne vs. Toledo Fort Wayne vs. Lubbock Fort Wayne vs. Reno Fort Wayne vs. St. Petersburg Fort Wayne vs. North Las Vegas Fort Wayne vs. Laredo Lansing vs. Las Cruces Lansing vs. Pompano Beach Lansing vs. Gresham Lansing vs. Peoria Lansing vs. Beaumont Lansing vs. Downey