Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Waco, TX (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Fort Wayne is 12% cheaper than Waco.

$959/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↑ 14%
$60,293/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 15%
$169,700 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$199,600 ↑ 18%
$950/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↑ 15%
266,235
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $8,825/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Waco — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Waco?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Waco?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $8,825/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Texas?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Waco details →

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