Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Fort Wayne is 50% cheaper than Tacoma.

$959/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 67%
$60,293/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 39%
$169,700 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 168%
$950/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 84%
266,235
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $638/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $7,656/year.

Median household income is $23,564/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $638/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Tacoma?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $23,564/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Washington?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Tacoma

Fort Wayne vs. Toledo Fort Wayne vs. Lubbock Fort Wayne vs. Reno Fort Wayne vs. St. Petersburg Fort Wayne vs. North Las Vegas Fort Wayne vs. Laredo Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville