Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Portland is 119% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,596/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 40%
$88,792/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 32%
$557,600 ↑ 229%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 70%
$1,771/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 46%
642,715
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
3.05%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $637/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $7,644/year.

Median household income is $28,499/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Portland 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $637/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $28,499/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Indiana?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Fort Wayne details →

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