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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Fort Wayne is 71% cheaper than Pasadena.

$959/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 131%
$60,293/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 72%
$169,700 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 516%
$950/mo ↓ 59%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 146%
266,235
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,259/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $15,108/year.

Median household income is $43,485/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Pasadena?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,259/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Pasadena?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $43,485/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Pasadena details →

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