Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Fort Wayne is 50% cheaper than Surprise.

$959/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 100%
$60,293/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 55%
$169,700 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 133%
$950/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 67%
266,235
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $958/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $11,496/year.

Median household income is $33,078/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Surprise — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Surprise 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 Surprise?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $958/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Surprise?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $33,078/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Arizona?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Surprise details →

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