Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Kansas City is 27% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,186/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 19%
$67,449/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 11%
$227,000 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 25%
$1,205/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 21%
508,233
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.05%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $227/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $2,724/year.

Median household income is $7,156/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Kansas City 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 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $227/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $7,156/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Indiana?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View Fort Wayne details →

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