Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Fort Wayne is 31% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$959/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 55%
$60,293/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 12%
$169,700 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 46%
$950/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 27%
266,235
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $528/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $6,336/year.

Median household income is $7,228/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $528/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $7,228/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Florida?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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