Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

New Orleans is 43% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,211/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 21%
$55,339/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↑ 9%
$296,400 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 43%
$1,274/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 25%
376,035
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
3.05%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $4,954/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is New Orleans 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 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $4,954/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Indiana?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans details → View Fort Wayne details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Fort Wayne

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim 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