Moving from Erie to Fort Wayne (2026)
Fort Wayne has a COL index of 81 vs 84 for Erie (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$147/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8481
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,100$1,000
per month
State tax
3.1%3.2%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,547$4,541
per month
Salary needed in Fort Wayne to match your Erie lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Erie | Equivalent in Fort Wayne |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,571 |
| $50K | $48,214 |
| $60K | $57,857 |
| $75K | $72,321 |
| $80K | $77,143 |
| $100K | $96,429 |
| $120K | $115,714 |
| $150K | $144,643 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Erie vs Fort Wayne
| Expense | Erie | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,547 | $4,541 |
| 1BR rent | $1,100 | $1,000 |
| Groceries | $365 | $353 |
| Transport | $60 | $42 |
| Utilities | $168 | $155 |
| Internet | $62 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,792 | $2,933 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Wayne cheaper than Erie?
Yes. Fort Wayne has a cost of living index of 81 vs 84 for Erie (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Erie to Fort Wayne?
On a $75K salary, moving from Erie to Fort Wayne could save roughly $147/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,764/year.
What salary do I need in Fort Wayne to match my Erie lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Erie, you'd need roughly $72,321/year in Fort Wayne. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Fort Wayne to ErieErie vs Fort Wayne — full comparisonErie cost of livingFort Wayne cost of living
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