Dayton vs Fort Wayne

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Dayton has the same purchasing power as $76,875 in Fort Wayne.

Conversely, $75,000 in Fort Wayne equals $73,171 in Dayton.

Living in Dayton vs Fort Wayne

Housing Costs

Dayton's housing index of 46 is lower Fort Wayne's 57, translating to median home prices of $135,000 vs $195,000. The $60,000 difference in home prices means roughly $3,900 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $900/mo in Dayton compared to $950/mo in Fort Wayne, a monthly difference of $50.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 98 in Dayton and 99 in Fort Wayne. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $466/month in Dayton 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 109 in Dayton and 93 in Fort Wayne. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Dayton 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 Dayton 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 $43,500 in Dayton and $54,600 in Fort Wayne. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $54,375 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 $1,015/month to housing in Dayton vs $1,274/month in Fort Wayne. In Dayton, median rent of $900/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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