Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Fort Wayne is 17% cheaper than Waterbury.

$959/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 23%
$60,293/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 14%
$169,700 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$185,400 ↑ 9%
$950/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 34%
266,235
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $8,651/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Waterbury?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Waterbury?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $8,651/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Connecticut?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Waterbury details →

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