Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Fort Wayne is 43% cheaper than St. Petersburg.

$959/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 61%
$60,293/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↑ 21%
$169,700 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$331,500 ↑ 95%
$950/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 51%
266,235
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $583/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $6,996/year.

Median household income is $12,825/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $583/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $12,825/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Florida?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,542/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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