Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Fort Wayne is 39% cheaper than Worcester.

$959/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 48%
$60,293/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 12%
$169,700 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 100%
$950/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 60%
266,235
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $7,251/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Worcester — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Worcester?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Worcester?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $7,251/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Massachusetts?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fort Wayne details → View Worcester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Worcester

Fort Wayne vs. Toledo Fort Wayne vs. Lubbock Fort Wayne vs. Reno Fort Wayne vs. St. Petersburg Fort Wayne vs. North Las Vegas Fort Wayne vs. Laredo Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock