Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Fort Wayne and Springfield have a similar cost of living.

$959/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 1%
$60,293/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↑ 9%
$169,700 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 9%
$950/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↑ 3%
266,235
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,244/year higher in Springfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Springfield — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 63 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Springfield?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $14/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Springfield?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $5,244/year higher in Springfield.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Illinois?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Springfield details →

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