Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Virginia Beach is 86% more expensive than Fort Wayne.

$1,649/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$959/mo ↓ 42%
$90,685/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 34%
$366,300 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 54%
$1,704/mo ↑ 79%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 44%
457,066
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $690/month cheaper in Fort Wayne, saving renters about $8,280/year.

Median household income is $30,392/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Virginia Beach 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $690/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $30,392/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Indiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Fort Wayne details →

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