Cost of Living: Waco vs Fort Wayne (2026)
Fort Wayne has a 2% lower overall cost of living than Waco as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,000/mo in Fort Wayne vs $1,000/mo in Waco — a 0% difference. Waco has no state income tax, giving residents more take-home pay than those in Fort Wayne (3.2% rate).
- Fort Wayne is 2% cheaper overall (COL index: 83 vs 81)
- 1BR rent: $1,000/mo in Fort Wayne vs $1,000/mo — 0% savings
- Waco has 0% state income tax — saves ~$3,300+/yr at a $75K salary
- Higher median household income: Fort Wayne ($50,000/yr vs $48,000/yr)
- Median home price: $200,000 in Fort Wayne vs $210,000 — 5% difference
| Category | Waco Texas | Fort Wayne Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $800Best | $800 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,000Best | $1,000 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,300Best | $1,300 |
| Median home price | $210K | $200KBest |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 92Best | 93 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $11Best | $11 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $46Best | $46 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $38Best | $42 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.00Best | $3.05 |
| Car insurance/mo | $162 | $138Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $172 | $155Best |
| Internet/mo | $60 | $58Best |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $48K | $50KBest |
| State income tax% | 0.0%Best | 3.2% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.3% | 7.0%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $12.00Best | $13.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $30Best | $30 |
| Beer at restaurant | $4.50Best | $4.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83 | 81Best |
| Walk score / 100 | 22 | 28Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Waco cheaper than Fort Wayne?
No. Fort Wayne is 2% cheaper than Waco based on overall cost of living indices (81 vs 83, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Waco vs Fort Wayne?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Waco is $1,000/month and in Fort Wayne is $1,000/month. Waco is more expensive by 0%.
How much do I need to earn in Fort Wayne to match a $75,000 salary in Waco?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $73,193/year in Fort Wayne to match a $75,000 salary in Waco. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Waco or Fort Wayne?
Waco has the lower state income tax rate at 0% vs 3.2%. Waco has no state income tax at all, which can save thousands of dollars per year depending on your income. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Waco to Fort Wayne?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne offers lower overall costs and tax advantages, 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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