Moving from El Paso to Fort Wayne (2026)

Fort Wayne has a COL index of 81 vs 80 for El Paso (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 1% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$63 more/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline

Key differences

COL index
8081
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,050$1,000
per month
State tax
None3.2%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,541
per month

Salary needed in Fort Wayne to match your El Paso lifestyle

Based on the 1% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in El PasoEquivalent in Fort Wayne
$40K$40,500
$50K$50,625
$60K$60,750
$75K$75,938
$80K$81,000
$100K$101,250
$120K$121,500
$150K$151,875

Monthly budget at $75K — El Paso vs Fort Wayne

ExpenseEl PasoFort Wayne
Monthly take-home$4,741$4,541
1BR rent$1,050$1,000
Groceries$346$353
Transport$40$42
Utilities$175$155
Internet$60$58
Left after essentials$3,070$2,933

Frequently asked questions

Is Fort Wayne cheaper than El Paso?

No. Fort Wayne has a cost of living index of 81 vs 80 for El Paso (100 = US average). That's about 1% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from El Paso to Fort Wayne?

On a $75K salary, moving from El Paso to Fort Wayne could save roughly $63/month on core expenses. That's ~$756/year.

What salary do I need in Fort Wayne to match my El Paso lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in El Paso, you'd need roughly $75,938/year in Fort Wayne. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only