Is Fort Wayne, IN cheaper than Grand Rapids, MI?

Based on cost of living data, Fort Wayne, IN is 11.1% cheaper than Grand Rapids, MI. This translates to saving $833 per month.

What salary do I need in Fort Wayne, IN to live like I do in Grand Rapids, MI?

If you earn $150,000 in Grand Rapids, MI, you'd need approximately $140,002.877 in Fort Wayne, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Grand Rapids, MI and Fort Wayne, IN?

Housing in Fort Wayne, IN is 7.8% cheaper than in Grand Rapids, MI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,090/month in Fort Wayne, IN compared to $1,652/month in Grand Rapids, MI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Fort Wayne, IN?

Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Fort Wayne, IN could save you approximately $833 per month, or $9997 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Grand Rapids, MI vs Fort Wayne, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Grand Rapids, MI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $833/month moving to Fort Wayne, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.0K in Fort Wayne, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$833

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.0K

Per year

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

Grand Rapids, MI

Population:197K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$288K

Fort Wayne, IN

Population:270K

Cost Index:

(11% below avg)

Median Home:$206K

Grand Rapids, MI

The Great Lakes State

197K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Fort Wayne, IN

The Hoosier State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

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

Category	Grand Rapids, MI	Fort Wayne, IN	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,444/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $255less	17.7%
Other	$1,649/mo	$1,490/mo	↓ $159less	9.6%
Housing	$1,973/mo	$1,819/mo	↓ $154less	7.8%
Healthcare	$728/mo	$582/mo	↓ $146less	20.0%
Groceries	$972/mo	$919/mo	↓ $52.39less	5.4%
All Utilities	$515/mo	$503/mo	↓ $12.04less	2.3%

Transportation

↓ 17.7%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,444

Fort Wayne, IN

$1,188

Difference

$255

less

Other

↓ 9.6%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,649

Fort Wayne, IN

$1,490

Difference

$159

less

Housing

↓ 7.8%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,973

Fort Wayne, IN

$1,819

Difference

$154

less

Healthcare

↓ 20.0%

Grand Rapids, MI

$728

Fort Wayne, IN

$582

Difference

$146

less

Groceries

↓ 5.4%

Grand Rapids, MI

$972

Fort Wayne, IN

$919

Difference

$52.39

less

All Utilities

↓ 2.3%

Grand Rapids, MI

$515

Fort Wayne, IN

$503

Difference

$12.04

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Grand Rapids, MI: Grand Rapids City Income Tax$2,250/yr (1.5%)

Fort Wayne, IN: Allen County Income Tax$2,220/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$1,334

To$870

↓ $464

1 Bed

From$1,375

To$900

↓ $475

2 Bed

From$1,652

To$1,090

↓ $562

3 Bed

From$2,134

To$1,350

↓ $784

Grand Rapids, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,280–$1,420/mo

Fort Wayne, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $790–$1,360/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.

$7,280

Monthly in Grand Rapids, MI

$6,502

Monthly in Fort Wayne, IN

$778

Difference

Home Values

Grand Rapids

Fort Wayne

$288K

Median Value

$206K

↑ +2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +2.2%

↑ +40.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +46.8%

$229K - $481K

Price Range

$104K - $439K

Homes in Fort Wayne are 28% less expensive than Grand Rapids

Calculate payment - Grand Rapids Calculate payment - Fort Wayne

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$128

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.0%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Grand Rapids, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

Fort Wayne, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.