Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Phoenix is 73% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,458/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 34%
$77,041/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 22%
$381,900 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 56%
$1,430/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 34%
1,624,832
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $499/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $5,988/year.

Median household income is $16,748/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $499/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $16,748/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Indiana?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Fort Wayne details →

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