Augusta vs Fort Wayne
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Augusta
Fort Wayne
The Verdict
Living in Fort Wayne costs 8.5% less than Augusta. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Augusta, you would need $69,101 in Fort Wayne.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Augusta has the same purchasing power as $69,101 in Fort Wayne.
Conversely, $75,000 in Fort Wayne equals $81,402 in Augusta.
Living in Augusta vs Fort Wayne
Housing Costs
Augusta's housing index of 72 is higher Fort Wayne's 57, translating to median home prices of $250,000 vs $195,000. The $55,000 difference in home prices means roughly $3,576 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Augusta compared to $950/mo in Fort Wayne, a monthly difference of $0.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Augusta and 99 in Fort Wayne. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Augusta vs $470/month in Fort Wayne. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 108 in Augusta and 93 in Fort Wayne. Monthly utility bills average approximately $432 in Augusta vs $372 in Fort Wayne. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 114 in Augusta and 96 in Fort Wayne. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 18-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $56,200 in Augusta and $54,600 in Fort Wayne. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $63,146 and $66,585 respectively. Fort Wayne residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,311/month to housing in Augusta vs $1,274/month in Fort Wayne. In Augusta, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Fort Wayne, median rent of $950/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 18 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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