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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Stockton is 83% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,495/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 36%
$76,851/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 22%
$412,900 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 59%
$1,555/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 39%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $536/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $6,432/year.

Median household income is $16,558/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Stockton 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 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $536/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $16,558/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Fort Wayne details →

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