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

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Lexington is 30% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,101/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 13%
$67,631/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 11%
$272,100 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 38%
$1,160/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 18%
321,122
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $7,338/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Lexington 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 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $7,338/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Indiana?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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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