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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

San Francisco is 324% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$2,419/mo ↑ 152%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 60%
$141,446/yr ↑ 135%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 57%
$1,380,500 ↑ 713%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 88%
$2,620/mo ↑ 176%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 64%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,460/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $17,520/year.

Median household income is $81,153/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $1,460/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $81,153/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 San Francisco details → View Fort Wayne details →

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