Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Fort Wayne is 7% cheaper than Las Cruces.

$959/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 1%
$60,293/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 8%
$169,700 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$217,400 ↑ 28%
$950/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↑ 3%
266,235
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.9%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,117/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $5,117/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and New Mexico?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Las Cruces

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 Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria