Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Salem, OR (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Fort Wayne is 40% cheaper than Salem.

$959/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 38%
$60,293/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↑ 19%
$169,700 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 125%
$950/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 52%
266,235
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $11,607/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Salem — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Salem?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Salem?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $11,607/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Oregon?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Salem details →

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