Cost of Living: Toledo, OH vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Toledo

Ohio
52
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Toledo is 11% cheaper than Fort Wayne.

$880/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↑ 9%
$47,532/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↑ 27%
$107,000 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$169,700 ↑ 59%
$856/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↑ 11%
268,461
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.75%
Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Toledo, OH and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 52 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $12,761/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Toledo is $107,000 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Toledo vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Toledo or Fort Wayne cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 63 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Toledo and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Toledo is $880/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Toledo or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $47,532 in Toledo and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $12,761/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Indiana?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Toledo or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Toledo has a cost index of 52 with median rent of $880/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 Toledo details → View Fort Wayne details →