Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Fort Wayne is 32% cheaper than Rochester.

$959/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 37%
$60,293/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 46%
$169,700 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 69%
$950/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 40%
266,235
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $27,474/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Rochester — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Rochester?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Rochester?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $27,474/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Minnesota?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Rochester details →

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