Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Modesto

California
120

Fort Wayne is 48% cheaper than Modesto.

$959/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 68%
$60,293/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 29%
$169,700 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 145%
$950/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 70%
266,235
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $650/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $7,800/year.

Median household income is $17,606/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Modesto — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Modesto?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $650/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Modesto?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $17,606/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Modesto details →

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