Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Fort Wayne is 41% cheaper than Paterson.

$959/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 52%
$60,293/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 11%
$169,700 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 98%
$950/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 63%
266,235
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $498/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $5,976/year.

Median household income is $6,527/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Paterson — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Paterson?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $498/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Paterson?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $6,527/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and New Jersey?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Paterson details →

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