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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd save $345/month moving to Fort Wayne, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.9K in Fort Wayne, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from St. Louis, MO-IL area
Overall Cost
4.6%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$345
Savings
Annual Impact
$4.1K
Per year

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

St. Louis, MO

Population:302K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$145K

Fort Wayne, IN

Population:270K
Cost Index:
95
(5% below avg)
Median Home:$206K

St. Louis, MO

The Show-Me State

302K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 302K 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: St. Louis, MO vs Fort Wayne, IN

Other
7.3%
St. Louis, MO
$1,607
Fort Wayne, IN
$1,490
Difference
$117
less
Healthcare
10.6%
St. Louis, MO
$527
Fort Wayne, IN
$582
Difference
$55.76
more
Housing
2.8%
St. Louis, MO
$1,871
Fort Wayne, IN
$1,819
Difference
$51.97
less
All Utilities
6.1%
St. Louis, MO
$535
Fort Wayne, IN
$503
Difference
$32.79
less
Groceries
3.2%
St. Louis, MO
$949
Fort Wayne, IN
$919
Difference
$29.98
less
Transportation
2.2%
St. Louis, MO
$1,216
Fort Wayne, IN
$1,188
Difference
$27.32
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Earnings Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)
Fort Wayne, IN: Allen County Income Tax$2,220/yr (1.5%)
Net difference+$720/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$910
To$870
$40.00
1 Bed
From$950
To$900
$50.00
2 Bed
From$1,160
To$1,090
$70.00
3 Bed
From$1,490
To$1,350
$140
St. Louis, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $800$1,480/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.

$6,705
Monthly in St. Louis, MO
$6,502
Monthly in Fort Wayne, IN
$203
Difference

Home Values

St. Louis
Fort Wayne
$145K
Median Value
$206K
↓ -0.8%
YoY Change
↑ +2.2%
↑ +10.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +46.8%
$38K - $302K
Price Range
$104K - $439K

Homes in Fort Wayne are 43% more expensive than St. Louis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$3.1K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$257
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.1%
Rate difference

St. Louis, MO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Missouri State Tax
Effective: 5.3%
$7.9K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.0%
$44.9K
Take-Home Pay
$8,755/month
$105.1K

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

St. Louis, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

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.

Environment

St. Louis
Fort Wayne
54 Moderate
Air Quality
45 Good
38%
Good Air Days
62.6%
99 High
Climate Risk
91 Moderate
🌊🌡🫨
Top Hazards
🌊🌪💨
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+3.1°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
17 days
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+3.1°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
17 days

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

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