Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Providence, RI (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Fort Wayne is 36% cheaper than Providence.

$959/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 39%
$60,293/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↑ 11%
$169,700 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 90%
$950/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 54%
266,235
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.99%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $6,479/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Providence — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Providence?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Providence?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $6,479/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Rhode Island?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Providence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Providence

Fort Wayne vs. Toledo Fort Wayne vs. Lubbock Fort Wayne vs. Reno Fort Wayne vs. St. Petersburg Fort Wayne vs. North Las Vegas Fort Wayne vs. Laredo Providence vs. Glendale Providence vs. Akron Providence vs. Vancouver Providence vs. Brownsville Providence vs. Knoxville Providence vs. Tempe