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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $937/month more in Grand Rapids, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $161.2K in Grand Rapids, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
12.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$937
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$11.2K
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

Grand Rapids, MI

Population:197K
Cost Index:
112
(12% above avg)
Median Home:$288K

Fort Wayne, IN

The Hoosier State

270K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Grand Rapids, MI

The Great Lakes State

197K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 197K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Fort Wayne, IN vs Grand Rapids, MI

Transportation
21.5%
Fort Wayne, IN
$1,188
Grand Rapids, MI
$1,444
Difference
$255
more
Other
10.7%
Fort Wayne, IN
$1,490
Grand Rapids, MI
$1,649
Difference
$159
more
Housing
8.5%
Fort Wayne, IN
$1,819
Grand Rapids, MI
$1,973
Difference
$154
more
Healthcare
25.0%
Fort Wayne, IN
$582
Grand Rapids, MI
$728
Difference
$146
more
Groceries
5.7%
Fort Wayne, IN
$919
Grand Rapids, MI
$972
Difference
$52.39
more
All Utilities
2.4%
Fort Wayne, IN
$503
Grand Rapids, MI
$515
Difference
$12.04
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Fort Wayne, IN: Allen County Income Tax$2,220/yr (1.5%)
Grand Rapids, MI: Grand Rapids City Income Tax$2,250/yr (1.5%)
Net difference+$30.00/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$870
To$1,334
$464
1 Bed
From$900
To$1,375
$475
2 Bed
From$1,090
To$1,652
$562
3 Bed
From$1,350
To$2,134
$784
Fort Wayne, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $790$1,360/mo

Grand Rapids, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,280$1,420/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
$7,280
Monthly in Grand Rapids, MI
$778
Difference

Home Values

Fort Wayne
Grand Rapids
$206K
Median Value
$288K
↑ +2.2%
YoY Change
↑ +2.2%
↑ +46.8%
5-Year Change
↑ +40.6%
$104K - $439K
Price Range
$229K - $481K

Homes in Grand Rapids are 40% more expensive than Fort Wayne

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$1.5K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$128
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.0%
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

Grand Rapids, MI

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Michigan State Tax
Effective: 4.3%
$6.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.9%
$43.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,884/month
$106.6K

Additional Tax Information

Fort Wayne, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%
Property Tax:0.9%

Grand Rapids, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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
Grand Rapids
45 Good
Air Quality
43 Good
62.6%
Good Air Days
68.6%
91 Moderate
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
17 days
Heat Days >95°F
13 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
17 days
Heat Days >95°F
13 days

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

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