Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Philadelphia is 35% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,323/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 28%
$60,698/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$60,293/yr ≈ Same
$232,400 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 27%
$1,233/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 23%
1,582,432
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $405/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Philadelphia 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 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $405/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Indiana?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Fort Wayne details →

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