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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Fort Wayne is 11% more expensive than Rockford.

$959/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$954/mo ≈ Same
$60,293/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 12%
$169,700 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 29%
$950/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$947/mo ≈ Same
266,235
Population
147,649

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $6,965/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Rockford — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 63 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Rockford?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Rockford?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $6,965/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 Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Rockford has a cost index of 57 with rent of $954/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Rockford details →

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