Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Seattle is 211% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,998/mo ↑ 108%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 52%
$121,984/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 51%
$912,100 ↑ 437%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 81%
$2,220/mo ↑ 134%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 57%
741,440
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,039/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $12,468/year.

Median household income is $61,691/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $1,039/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $61,691/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Indiana?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Fort Wayne details →

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