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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Milwaukee is 6% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,033/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 7%
$51,888/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↑ 16%
$172,000 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 1%
$1,082/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 12%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $8,405/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Milwaukee 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 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $8,405/year higher in Fort Wayne.
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 Milwaukee or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Fort Wayne details →

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