Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Fort Wayne, IN (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63

Wichita and Fort Wayne have a similar cost of living.

$960/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$959/mo ≈ Same
$63,072/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$60,293/yr ↓ 4%
$179,500 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$169,700 ↓ 5%
$994/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$950/mo ↓ 4%
396,488
Population
266,235

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Fort Wayne, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 63 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,779/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $169,700 in Fort Wayne.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Fort Wayne — common questions

Is Wichita 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 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Fort Wayne?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Fort Wayne it's $959/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Fort Wayne?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $60,293 in Fort Wayne. Median household income is $2,779/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Indiana?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/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 Wichita details → View Fort Wayne details →

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