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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Fort Wayne is 5% more expensive than Springfield.

$959/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 4%
$60,293/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 24%
$169,700 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 3%
$950/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 4%
266,235
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,309/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $165,200 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 60 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 $920/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Springfield?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $14,309/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Missouri?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% 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 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Springfield details →

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