Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Fresno is 60% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,324/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 28%
$66,804/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 10%
$348,500 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 51%
$1,391/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 32%
543,615
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $6,511/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Fresno or Fort Wayne cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $6,511/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/mo, while Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with rent of $959/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fresno details → View Fort Wayne details →

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