Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Ontario, CA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Ontario

California
152

Fort Wayne is 59% cheaper than Ontario.

$959/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 100%
$60,293/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 37%
$169,700 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 235%
$950/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 107%
266,235
Population
178,347

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $957/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $11,484/year.

Median household income is $22,513/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Ontario — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Ontario?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $957/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Ontario?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $22,513/year higher in Ontario.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Ontario details →

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