Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Fort Wayne is 52% cheaper than Meridian.

$959/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 79%
$60,293/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 64%
$169,700 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 186%
$950/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 69%
266,235
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $755/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $9,060/year.

Median household income is $38,393/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Meridian — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Meridian?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $755/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Meridian?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $38,393/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Idaho?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Meridian details →

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