Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Laredo, TX 2026

$959/mo ↓ 4%

Median Rent

$1,001/mo ↑ 4%

$60,293/yr ↓ 5%

Median Income

$63,264/yr ↑ 5%

$169,700 ↓ 7%

Home Value

$182,400 ↑ 7%

$950/mo ↓ 11%

Owner Costs

$1,066/mo ↑ 12%

266,235

Population

255,949

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Laredo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,971/year higher in Laredo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $182,400 in Laredo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Laredo — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Laredo cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 67 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Laredo?

Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Laredo it's $1,001/month — a difference of $42/month.

Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Laredo?

Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $63,264 in Laredo. Median household income is $2,971/year higher in Laredo.

How do taxes compare between Indiana and Texas?

Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.

Should I move to Fort Wayne or Laredo?

It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Laredo has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,001/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Laredo, TX (2026)

Fort Wayne

Laredo

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions