Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Newark is 59% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,330/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 28%
$48,416/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↑ 25%
$337,800 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 50%
$1,419/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 33%
307,188
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $11,877/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Newark 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $11,877/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Indiana?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Fort Wayne details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Fort Wayne

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis 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