Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Fort Wayne is 14% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$959/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↑ 5%
$60,293/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 19%
$169,700 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 39%
$950/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 9%
266,235
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,757/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $11,757/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Alabama?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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