Scranton vs Fort Wayne for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Your move simulator
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Estimated annual swing
−$809/yr
Favoring Fort Wayne for this income & household (illustrative).
With an extra $67/mo in Fort Wayne, you could max a Roth IRA contribution faster and still grow your savings buffer.
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High-yield savings
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Even $67/mo extra earns meaningfully at 4–5% APY vs near-zero in checking.
Home + auto bundle
New state — compare rates before you sign
Moving to Fort Wayne resets your insurance profile. Bundling home + auto often saves 15–25%.
Supplemental health
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Health coverage varies by state. Review Medigap plans available in your new zip before moving.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Scranton Pennsylvania | Fort Wayne Indiana | Your impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,050 | $1,000Better | $600/yr saves in Fort |
| Median home price | $165KBetter | $200K | — |
| State income tax | 3.1%Better | 3.2% | — |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6%Better | 7% | — |
| Monthly utilities | $165 | $155Better | $120/yr saves in Fort |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 95 | 93Better | — |
| Est. healthcare / month | $415 | $405Better | $120/yr saves in Fort |
| Walk score (0–100) | 42 / 100Better | 28 / 100 | — |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83 | 81Better | — |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Retirement tax savings
Scranton saves ~$4/mo on a $50K retirement income
Keep more of your fixed income. Park the tax savings in a high-yield account to let it compound.
Complete the Picture
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Mortgages
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Home & Auto Insurance
Bundle before you move — save 15–25%
New state means new rates. Lock in Fort Wayne homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
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Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Scranton or Fort Wayne?
Based on home prices, taxes on retirement income, walkability, and overall cost of living, Scranton scores better for retirees. Median home prices are $165K in Scranton vs $200K in Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne is approximately 2% cheaper overall. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Scranton or Fort Wayne?
Scranton has the lower state income tax rate (3.1% vs 3.2%). Note that many states exempt Social Security income and some pension income from state taxes even when other income is taxed — check your specific state's retirement tax rules.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Scranton vs Fort Wayne?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $415 in Scranton and $405 in Fort Wayne. That's a difference of ~$10/month, or ~$120/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Scranton on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Scranton, rent alone would consume approximately 25% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,050/mo) and healthcare another ~10%. That leaves roughly 65% (~$2,708/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is generally considered manageable.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Scranton has a higher walk score (42 vs 28 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Scranton offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Scranton has the same purchasing power as $49K/year in Fort Wayne
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026