Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Long Beach is 168% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,803/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 47%
$83,969/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 28%
$762,200 ↑ 349%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 78%
$1,890/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 50%
458,491
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $844/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $10,128/year.

Median household income is $23,676/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Long Beach 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $844/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $23,676/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Fort Wayne details →

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