Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Fort Wayne is 47% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$959/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 78%
$60,293/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 15%
$169,700 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 118%
$950/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 75%
266,235
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $750/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $9,000/year.

Median household income is $8,968/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $750/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $8,968/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Florida?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View West Palm Beach details →

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