Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Sacramento is 110% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,694/mo ↑ 77%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 43%
$83,753/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 28%
$484,600 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 65%
$1,752/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 46%
524,802
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $735/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $8,820/year.

Median household income is $23,460/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $735/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $23,460/year higher in Sacramento.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Fort Wayne details →

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