Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Simi Valley, CA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Fort Wayne is 68% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$959/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 162%
$60,293/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 95%
$169,700 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 344%
$950/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 171%
266,235
Population
125,769

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,554/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $18,648/year.

Median household income is $57,410/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,554/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $57,410/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Simi Valley details →

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