Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Fort Wayne and Montgomery have a similar cost of living.

$959/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↑ 10%
$60,293/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↓ 8%
$169,700 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 12%
$950/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↑ 8%
266,235
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $4,606/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 64 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Montgomery?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Montgomery?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $4,606/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Alabama?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Montgomery details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Montgomery

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 Montgomery vs. Grand Prairie Montgomery vs. Grand Rapids Montgomery vs. Sunrise Manor Montgomery vs. Sioux Falls Montgomery vs. Birmingham Montgomery vs. Overland Park