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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Indianapolis is 17% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,112/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 14%
$62,995/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 4%
$207,000 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 18%
$1,124/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 15%
882,043
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $2,702/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Indiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Indianapolis 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 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $2,702/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Indiana?
Both cities are in Indiana and share the same state tax rates: 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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.
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