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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Lubbock

Texas
75

Fort Wayne is 12% cheaper than Lubbock.

$959/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,137/mo ↑ 19%
$60,293/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,487/yr ≈ Same
$169,700 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$197,900 ↑ 17%
$950/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,179/mo ↑ 24%
266,235
Population
261,078

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Lubbock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $194/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $197,900 in Lubbock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Lubbock — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Lubbock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Lubbock?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Lubbock it's $1,137/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Lubbock?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $60,487 in Lubbock. Median household income is $194/year higher in Lubbock.
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 Lubbock?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,137/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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