Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Tulsa is 6% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$998/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 4%
$58,407/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↑ 3%
$189,600 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 10%
$1,027/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 7%
412,322
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
3.05%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.9%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,886/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Tulsa 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 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $1,886/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Indiana?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $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 Tulsa details → View Fort Wayne details →

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