Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Fort Wayne is 7% more expensive than Syracuse.

$959/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↑ 4%
$60,293/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 24%
$169,700 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 26%
$950/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↑ 3%
266,235
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,448/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 63 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Syracuse?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Syracuse?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $14,448/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and New York?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Syracuse details →

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