Cost of Living in Fort Wayne, IN
Population 266,235 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Fort Wayne cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $170,000, rents near $959 a month.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Wayne
The median home value in Fort Wayne is $169,700 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $959/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,293/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Indiana's top state income tax rate is 3.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. Overall, Fort Wayne has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN?
Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Wayne, IN?
The median gross rent in Fort Wayne is $959 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Wayne?
The median home value in Fort Wayne is $169,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fort Wayne?
The median household income in Fort Wayne is $60,293 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Wayne, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Wayne is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Fort Wayne, IN affordable?
Yes, Fort Wayne is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
Fort Wayne at a Glance
- Population
- 266,235
- Median Income
- $60,293
- Home Value
- $169,700
- Median Rent
- $959/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
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