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

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Lincoln is 22% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,045/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 8%
$69,991/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 14%
$248,200 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 32%
$1,140/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 17%
291,932
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.73%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $9,698/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Lincoln 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 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $86/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $9,698/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Indiana?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Fort Wayne details →

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