Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Fort Wayne is 72% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$959/mo ↓ 63%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 169%
$60,293/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 123%
$169,700 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 461%
$950/mo ↓ 65%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 187%
266,235
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,621/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $19,452/year.

Median household income is $74,074/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,621/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $74,074/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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