Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Minneapolis is 62% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,329/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 28%
$80,269/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 25%
$345,600 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 51%
$1,513/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 37%
426,845
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $19,976/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Minneapolis 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 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $19,976/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Indiana?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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 Minneapolis details → View Fort Wayne details →

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