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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $633/month more in Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.6K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 8.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$633
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$7.6K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Fort Wayne, IN

Population:270K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$206K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K
Cost Index:
108
(8% above avg)
Median Home:$263K

Fort Wayne, IN

The Hoosier State

270K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 270K residents.

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Wayne, IN vs Columbus, OH

Housing
↑ 12.9%
Fort Wayne, IN
$1,819
Columbus, OH
$2,053
Difference
$234
more
Transportation
↑ 14.9%
Fort Wayne, IN
$1,188
Columbus, OH
$1,366
Difference
$178
more
Other
↑ 4.5%
Fort Wayne, IN
$1,490
Columbus, OH
$1,557
Difference
$66.96
more
Groceries
↑ 5.4%
Fort Wayne, IN
$919
Columbus, OH
$969
Difference
$49.96
more
All Utilities
↓ 7.6%
Fort Wayne, IN
$503
Columbus, OH
$464
Difference
$38.25
less
Healthcare
↑ 4.3%
Fort Wayne, IN
$582
Columbus, OH
$607
Difference
$24.78
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Fort Wayne, IN: Allen County Income Tax$2,220/yr (1.5%)
Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)
Net difference+$1,530/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$870
To$1,020
↑ $150
1 Bed
From$900
To$1,100
↑ $200
2 Bed
From$1,090
To$1,315
↑ $225
3 Bed
From$1,350
To$1,575
↑ $225
Fort Wayne, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $790–$1,360/mo

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,502
Monthly in Fort Wayne, IN
$7,017
Monthly in Columbus, OH
$515
Difference

Home Values

Fort Wayne
Columbus
$206K
Median Value
$263K
↑ +2.2%
YoY Change
↓ -0.4%
↑ +46.8%
5-Year Change
↑ +28.8%
$104K - $439K
Price Range
$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 27% more expensive than Fort Wayne

Calculate payment - Fort WayneCalculate payment - Columbus

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $418
Per year
Monthly Difference
$34.81
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.3%
Rate difference

Fort Wayne, IN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Indiana State Tax
Effective: 3.2%
$4.8K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.9%
$41.9K
Take-Home Pay
$9,012/month
$108.1K

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Ohio State Tax
Effective: 3.0%
$4.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.6%
$41.4K
Take-Home Pay
$9,047/month
$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Fort Wayne, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%
Property Tax:0.9%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:1.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Fort Wayne
Columbus
45 Good
Air Quality
53 Moderate
62.6%
Good Air Days
41.3%
91 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
17 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days
▲+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
17 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Indiana and Ohio on TaxTakeHome.com

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