Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Raleigh is 75% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,468/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 35%
$82,424/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 27%
$377,800 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 55%
$1,487/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 36%
470,763
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $22,131/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $22,131/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Indiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Fort Wayne details →

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