Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Fort Wayne is 47% cheaper than Lowell.

$959/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 67%
$60,293/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 26%
$169,700 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 133%
$950/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 76%
266,235
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $644/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $7,728/year.

Median household income is $15,912/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Lowell — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Lowell?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $644/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Lowell?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $15,912/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Massachusetts?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Lowell

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 Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury