Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Fort Wayne and Peoria have a similar cost of living.

$959/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$951/mo ≈ Same
$60,293/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 3%
$169,700 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 12%
$950/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↑ 6%
266,235
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,577/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Peoria — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 63 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Peoria?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Peoria?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $1,577/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Illinois?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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