Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Tampa is 79% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,567/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 39%
$71,302/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 15%
$375,300 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 55%
$1,553/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 39%
393,389
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $608/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $7,296/year.

Median household income is $11,009/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Tampa 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 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $608/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $11,009/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Indiana?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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.
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