Cost of Living in Fort Wayne, IN 2025

-4% | Lower Than National Avg.
51% | Lower Than State Avg.
Fort Wayne's 2025 cost of living is $2367 per month for singles and $5212 per month for families of four. Living costs in Fort Wayne are 4% lower than the U.S. national average and 51% lower than Indiana's state average. This reflects a 1% increase from 2024. The primary drivers of Fort Wayne's cost of living are soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices. See how Fort Wayne's cost of living affects your budget or salary needs with Salary.com's free Cost of Living Calculator.

Cost of Living Calculator


How does Fort Wayne's cost of living compare to the national average in 2025?

Living in Fort Wayne is less expensive than the national average, with housing costs 31.2 % lower at $825 per month for a single person and $1513 per month for a family of four. Food expenses run 3.3 % below average at $387 monthly for an individual and $1257 for a family, while energy, transportation and healthcare costs are 10.5 % lower at about $783 per month for one person and $1748 for a household. These costs bring the total monthly expenses to $1995 for a single person and $4518 for a family of four, making Fort Wayne one of America's least expensive cities.
Expense Category Average Monthly Expense Single Person Average Monthly Expense Family of Four Fort Wayne compare to: U.S. Average
Housing
Housing
825 1513
-31.2%
Food
Food
387 1257
-3.3%
Energy
Energy
148 254
-15.3%
Transportation
Transportation
368 782
-8.0%
Healthcare
Healthcare
267 712
-11.0%

How does the cost of living compare when moving from other major cities to Fort Wayne?

Fort Wayne's 2025 cost of living is 98% lower than San Francisco, 50% less than Washington, 23% below Miami , 18% lower than Chicago, 60% less than Boston , and 83% below New York. Essential for evaluating relocation costs and salary needs in Fort Wayne.
Move From Move To Cost of Living Comparison
San Francisco, CA Fort Wayne
-98.0%
Washington, DC Fort Wayne
-50.0%
Miami, FL Fort Wayne
-23.0%
Chicago, IL Fort Wayne
-18.0%
Boston, MA Fort Wayne
-60.0%
New York, NY Fort Wayne
-83.0%
Dallas, TX Fort Wayne
-12.0%

About Fort Wayne, IN

Fort Wayne is a city in the U.S. state of Indiana and the seat of Allen County, United States. Located in northeastern Indiana, the city is 18 miles (29 km) west of the Ohio border and 50 miles (80 km) south of the Michigan border. With a population of 253,691 in the 2010 census, it is the second-most populous city in Indiana after Indianapolis, and the 75th-most populous city in the United States. It is the principal city of the Fort Wayne metropolitan area, consisting of Allen, Wells, and Whitley counties, a combined population of 419,453 as of 2011. Fort Wayne is the cultural and economic c...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN

What stores are known for lower grocery prices?

Stores like WinCo Foods are known to offer low prices. Shopping there can considerably reduce cost of living, as the prices in grocery stores can vary a lot. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Fort Wayne, IN?

Fort Wayne, IN does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

What is the cost of internet and cable TV in Fort Wayne, IN?

The average cost of internet access in the U.S. is $66.20 per month. There are many providers and various packages that are offered, many that bundle internet, cable, and phone together. Pricing for various packages can vary a lot even in the same location. You should evaluate the options based on your usage and preferences and pick the best fit for your needs. One tip to reduce this cost and your overall cost of living, is to get cable service from another source like Direct TV, Netflix, Sling, Amazon Prime or others. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

The average cost of moving to another state is around $5,600 for a distance of 1,200 miles. This price can vary a lot if the distance is greater and depending on how much is being moved. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. A cost that typically occurs is that your existing furniture and accessories are either too large, too small, or not appropriate for your new home. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses and include them in the first year’s cost of living at your new location. Finally, although there is no dollar cost, is the stress of moving, which will increase if you have children or pets. Make sure you prepare in advance for what additional TLC those kids and pets will need to have a good move. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

Are there any tips that will help make the move to Fort Wayne, Indiana easier for my child?

Make sure your child has a favorite toy, doll, game, clothing, blanket, snacks, etc. to take with them during the transition. Once you arrive, let your child help with arranging and decorating their new room. You may be tempted to unpack everything when you arrive, but make sure you take a break from unpacking to spend time playing and relaxing with your child. Plan on packing a special bag to take with you with those items that you will need first. Towels, soap, a few basic kitchen utensils and food items like crackers, tea, juice, will make your new location functional as soon as you arrive and fell more like home. A small new toy, book, or video that you give to your child when you arrive might help them to feel happy and relaxed in the new location. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

How much are average utility costs in Fort Wayne, Indiana compared to the rest of U.S.?

Electric costs in Fort Wayne,IN are currently lower than average when compared to other states. Since a year ago the price of electricity in Indiana has gone down about 0.248%. Electric costs will contribute to the energy component of your overall cost of living. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

What are rents like in Fort Wayne,IN?

In Fort Wayne,IN, the median rent for a 1 bedroom apartment is $599, and for a 2 bedroom apartment is $761. In general, in the past year, rental costs in Fort Wayne have gone down by approximately 0.2%. Since rental expense makes up a significant part of the cost of living, you should consider this expense and how it might change when you calculate your cost of living in a new city. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

I need to keep my cost of living under control, is there a lot to do in Fort Wayne, Indiana that is not very expensive?

Looks for areas of Fort Wayne, Indiana where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Fort Wayne, IN to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

How does Fort Wayne, Indiana compare to the rest of U.S. as far as all the taxes that will affect my cost of living?

The overall tax ranking for Fort Wayne, Indiana, which is based on a composite of state wide taxes including income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, insurance taxes, and business taxes is the tenth lowest compared to the rest of the United States. This overall tax profile can definitely impact your cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

I hate to drive in traffic, does Fort Wayne have traffic problems?

Overall, the time and ease of your driving times will impact your cost of living, since driving in heavy and slow moving traffic uses a lot of gas. Fort Wayne, Indiana has an ease of driving ranking of 38 and is considered pretty good overall for commuters. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

Can you save money using public transport?

You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. This could translate into significant reduction in your cost of living. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )


Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )
The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2025-07-24 salary.com )

See how much you can get when it is an hourly pay

Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.

See how much you can get when it is a yearly pay

Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
Last Update: 2025-07-24