Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Fort Wayne is 46% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$959/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 40%
$60,293/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 24%
$169,700 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 192%
$950/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 47%
266,235
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $14,632/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $14,632/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Utah?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Salt Lake City details →

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