Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Madison is 63% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,364/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 30%
$76,983/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 22%
$346,900 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 51%
$1,476/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 36%
275,568
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $405/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,860/year.

Median household income is $16,690/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Madison 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 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $405/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $16,690/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Indiana?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Fort Wayne details →

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