Chicago vs Fort Wayne
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Chicago
Fort Wayne
💡 The Verdict
Fort Wayne is 8% cheaper than Chicago overall. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $68,692 in Fort Wayne.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Chicago (left) vs Fort Wayne (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Chicago versus Fort Wayne. Differences shown from Chicago perspective.
| Item | Chicago | Fort Wayne | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,230/mo | $910/mo | +$320.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,700/mo | $1,230/mo | +$470.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $2,220/mo | $1,580/mo | +$640.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.71 | $2.95 | $-0.24 |
| Milk (gallon) | $4.17 | $3.59 | +$0.58 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.55 | $3.03 | +$0.52 |
| Coffee (latte) | $6.11 | $4.93 | +$1.18 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.57 | $3.42 | +$0.15 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15.53 | $14.16 | +$1.37 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Chicago has the same purchasing power as $68,692 in Fort Wayne.
Conversely, $75,000 in Fort Wayne equals $81,888 in Chicago.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $1275 difference is driven by Illinois having a higher state income tax rate. Illinois details → · Indiana details →
Reading These Numbers: Chicago (107) vs Fort Wayne (98)
Chicago at 107 is 7% above the US average, while Fort Wayne at 98 is 2% below average. The cost difference between these cities is relatively modest.
In Chicago, the composite index of 107 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 112, followed by groceries (104), utilities (100), transportation (116), and healthcare (101). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $1,700/mo in Chicago and $1,230/mo in Fort Wayne, the annual rent difference is approximately $5,640.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $28,200.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $8,000.0 difference in median home prices between Chicago and Fort Wayne translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Chicago vs Fort Wayne
Choosing between Chicago and Fort Wayne involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Chicago and Fort Wayne can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.