Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Los Angeles is 197% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,879/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 49%
$80,366/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 25%
$879,500 ↑ 418%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 81%
$2,055/mo ↑ 116%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 54%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $920/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $11,040/year.

Median household income is $20,073/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $920/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $20,073/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Fort Wayne details →

More Comparisons

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