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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Fort Wayne is 29% cheaper than Mesquite.

$959/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 47%
$60,293/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↑ 19%
$169,700 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$226,500 ↑ 33%
$950/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↑ 46%
266,235
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $448/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $5,376/year.

Median household income is $11,550/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Mesquite?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $448/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Mesquite?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $11,550/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Mesquite

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 Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford