Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Fort Wayne is 15% cheaper than Little Rock.

$959/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↑ 11%
$60,293/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,583/yr ≈ Same
$169,700 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$221,200 ↑ 30%
$950/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↑ 16%
266,235
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $290/year higher in Little Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Little Rock?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Little Rock?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $290/year higher in Little Rock.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Arkansas?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Little Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Little Rock

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 Little Rock vs. Salt Lake City Little Rock vs. McKinney Little Rock vs. Columbus Little Rock vs. Augusta Little Rock vs. Worcester Little Rock vs. Oxnard