Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Fort Wayne is 57% cheaper than Naperville.

$959/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 93%
$60,293/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 150%
$169,700 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 200%
$950/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 127%
266,235
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $893/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $10,716/year.

Median household income is $90,644/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Naperville — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Naperville?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $893/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Naperville?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $90,644/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Illinois?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Naperville details →

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