Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Gilbert is 85% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$2,028/mo ↑ 111%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 53%
$121,351/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 50%
$518,600 ↑ 206%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 67%
$1,908/mo ↑ 101%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 50%
271,118
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.6%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,069/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $12,828/year.

Median household income is $61,058/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Gilbert 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 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $1,069/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $61,058/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Indiana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Fort Wayne details →