Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Fort Wayne is 37% cheaper than Wilmington.

$959/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 37%
$60,293/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 6%
$169,700 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 106%
$950/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 44%
266,235
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $352/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,224/year.

Median household income is $3,607/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Wilmington?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $352/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Wilmington?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $3,607/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and North Carolina?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Wilmington details →

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