Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

St. Paul is 44% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,248/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 23%
$73,055/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 17%
$280,300 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 39%
$1,390/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 32%
307,762
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $12,762/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is St. Paul 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 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $12,762/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Indiana?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Fort Wayne details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Fort Wayne

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Fort Wayne vs. Toledo Fort Wayne vs. Lubbock Fort Wayne vs. Reno Fort Wayne vs. St. Petersburg Fort Wayne vs. North Las Vegas Fort Wayne vs. Laredo