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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Fort Wayne is 5% cheaper than McAllen.

$959/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↑ 6%
$60,293/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,165/yr ≈ Same
$169,700 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$173,800 ↑ 2%
$950/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↑ 5%
266,235
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $58/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $696/year.

Median household income is $128/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs McAllen — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and McAllen?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $58/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or McAllen?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $128/year higher in Fort Wayne.
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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View McAllen details →

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