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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Pittsburgh is 21% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,221/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 21%
$64,137/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 6%
$193,200 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 12%
$1,136/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 16%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $262/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $3,144/year.

Median household income is $3,844/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Pittsburgh 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 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $262/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $3,844/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Fort Wayne details →

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