Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs San Bernardino, CA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Fort Wayne is 42% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$959/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 49%
$60,293/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↑ 6%
$169,700 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 127%
$950/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 56%
266,235
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $474/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $5,688/year.

Median household income is $3,695/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $474/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $3,695/year higher in San Bernardino.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and San Bernardino

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 San Bernardino vs. Hialeah San Bernardino vs. Tacoma San Bernardino vs. Baton Rouge San Bernardino vs. Port St. Lucie San Bernardino vs. Richmond San Bernardino vs. Spring Valley