Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Fort Wayne is 39% cheaper than Olathe.

$959/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 37%
$60,293/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 86%
$169,700 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 101%
$950/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 75%
266,235
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $51,939/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Olathe — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Olathe?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Olathe?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $51,939/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Kansas?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Olathe has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Olathe details →

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