Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

Fort Wayne is 29% cheaper than Norfolk.

$959/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↑ 30%
$60,293/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↑ 6%
$169,700 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$271,900 ↑ 60%
$950/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 44%
266,235
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $287/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $3,444/year.

Median household income is $3,724/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Norfolk — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Norfolk 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 Norfolk?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $287/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Norfolk?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $3,724/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Virginia?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Norfolk details →

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