Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Mesa is 70% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,478/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 35%
$78,779/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 23%
$364,300 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 53%
$1,404/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 32%
507,478
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $18,486/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Mesa 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 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $18,486/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Indiana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Fort Wayne details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Fort Wayne

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Fort Wayne vs. Toledo Fort Wayne vs. Lubbock Fort Wayne vs. Reno Fort Wayne vs. St. Petersburg Fort Wayne vs. North Las Vegas Fort Wayne vs. Laredo