Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Fort Wayne is 50% cheaper than Sparks.

$959/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 72%
$60,293/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 44%
$169,700 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 169%
$950/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 69%
266,235
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $692/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $8,304/year.

Median household income is $26,686/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Sparks — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Sparks?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $692/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Sparks?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $26,686/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Nevada?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Sparks

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 Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler