Moving from Kansas City to Fort Wayne (2026)

Fort Wayne has a COL index of 81 vs 83 for Kansas City (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$206/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
83 โ†’ 81
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,050 โ†’ $1,000
per month
State tax
5.7% โ†’ 3.2%
income tax
COL difference
83 โ†’ 81
2% cheaper

Salary needed in Fort Wayne to match your Kansas City lifestyle

Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in Kansas CityEquivalent in Fort Wayne
$40K$39,036
$50K$48,795
$60K$58,554
$75K$73,193
$80K$78,072
$100K$97,590
$120K$117,108
$150K$146,386

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Save ~$74/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Kansas City vs Fort Wayne

ExpenseKansas CityFort Wayne
Monthly take-home$4,384$4,541
1BR rent$1,050$1,000
Groceries$357$353
Transport$55$42
Utilities$162$155
Internet$58$58
Left after essentials$2,702$2,933

Frequently asked questions

Is Fort Wayne cheaper than Kansas City?

Yes. Fort Wayne has a cost of living index of 81 vs 83 for Kansas City (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Kansas City to Fort Wayne?

On a $75K salary, moving from Kansas City to Fort Wayne saves roughly $206/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,472/year.

What salary do I need in Fort Wayne to match my Kansas City lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Kansas City, you'd need roughly $73,193/year in Fort Wayne. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

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