salaryFort Wayne is 11% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Fort Wayne to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,242
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,149
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$66,244
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$188,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
92.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$1,578
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$135
👥 People living there
2,711,226
268,589
Commute to work
33.1 min
21.5 min
College degree
44.3%
29%
Own their home
46%
61.9%
Below poverty line
16.8%
16%
Unemployment
8%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Fort Wayne for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Fort Wayne | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $102,350 | $71,290 | -30% in Fort Wayne |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $79,210 | -27% in Fort Wayne |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $77,110 | -25% in Fort Wayne |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $60,400 | -25% in Fort Wayne |
| Software Developer | $134,380 | $101,560 | -24% in Fort Wayne |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $59,800 | -24% in Fort Wayne |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $126,520 | -24% in Fort Wayne |
| Market Research Analyst | $80,400 | $61,730 | -23% in Fort Wayne |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Fort Wayne cheaper to live in?
Fort Wayne is about 11% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,242 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Fort Wayne to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $53,616 a year gives the same standard of living in Fort Wayne.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Fort Wayne?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $66,244 in Fort Wayne, 27% more in Chicago.