Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Metairie, LA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

Fort Wayne is 28% cheaper than Metairie.

$959/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 21%
$60,293/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 22%
$169,700 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 82%
$950/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 25%
266,235
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $12,963/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Metairie — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Metairie?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $200/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Metairie?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $12,963/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Louisiana?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Metairie details →

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