Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Spokane, WA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

Fort Wayne is 30% cheaper than Spokane.

$959/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↑ 19%
$60,293/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↑ 9%
$169,700 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$326,200 ↑ 92%
$950/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↑ 28%
266,235
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $5,452/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Spokane — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Spokane?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Spokane?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $5,452/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Washington?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Spokane details →

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