Cost of Living: Fort Wayne vs Rockford (2026)
Fort Wayne has a 1% lower overall cost of living than Rockford as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,000/mo in Fort Wayne vs $1,050/mo in Rockford — a 5% difference. Fort Wayne has a lower state income tax rate (3.2% vs 5%), which adds up over time.
- Fort Wayne is 1% cheaper overall (COL index: 81 vs 82)
- 1BR rent: $1,000/mo in Fort Wayne vs $1,050/mo — 5% savings
- Higher median household income: Fort Wayne ($50,000/yr vs $47,000/yr)
- Median home price: $175,000 in Rockford vs $200,000 — 13% difference
| Category | Fort Wayne Indiana | Rockford Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $800Best | $850 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,000Best | $1,050 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,300Best | $1,400 |
| Median home price | $200K | $175KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 93Best | 94 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $11Best | $11 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $46Best | $48 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $42Best | $50 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.05Best | $3.05 |
| Car insurance/mo | $138Best | $148 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $155Best | $158 |
| Internet/mo | $58Best | $58 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $50KBest | $47K |
| State income tax% | 3.2%Best | 5.0% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.0%Best | 8.5% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $13.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $30Best | $33 |
| Beer at restaurant | $4.50Best | $5.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 81Best | 82 |
| Walk score / 100 | 28 | 34Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Wayne cheaper than Rockford?
Yes. Fort Wayne is 1% cheaper than Rockford based on overall cost of living indices (81 vs 82, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Fort Wayne vs Rockford?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Fort Wayne is $1,000/month and in Rockford is $1,050/month. Fort Wayne is cheaper by 5%.
How much do I need to earn in Rockford to match a $75,000 salary in Fort Wayne?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $75,926/year in Rockford to match a $75,000 salary in Fort Wayne. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Fort Wayne or Rockford?
Fort Wayne has the lower state income tax rate at 3.2% vs 5%. The difference is 1.8 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Fort Wayne to Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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