Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Fort Wayne is 31% cheaper than North Charleston.

$959/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 42%
$60,293/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↑ 4%
$169,700 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 58%
$950/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↑ 38%
266,235
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $405/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,860/year.

Median household income is $2,496/year higher in North Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and North Charleston?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $405/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or North Charleston?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $2,496/year higher in North Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and South Carolina?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View North Charleston details →

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