Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Fort Wayne is 11% cheaper than Winston-Salem.

$959/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↑ 8%
$60,293/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 4%
$169,700 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$208,200 ↑ 23%
$950/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↑ 9%
266,235
Population
250,887

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $2,620/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $2,620/year higher in Fort Wayne.
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 Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Winston-Salem details →

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