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

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Fort Wayne is 48% cheaper than Tempe.

$959/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 69%
$60,293/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 29%
$169,700 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 149%
$950/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 64%
266,235
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $664/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $7,968/year.

Median household income is $17,350/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Tempe — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Tempe?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $664/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Tempe?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $17,350/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Tempe details →

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