salaryAbout the sameBased 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
$1,266
$1,242
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,149
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$66,244
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$188,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
92.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$1,578
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$135
👥 People living there
212,421
268,589
Commute to work
19.5 min
21.5 min
College degree
29.7%
29%
Own their home
60.5%
61.9%
Below poverty line
15%
16%
Unemployment
5.6%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 1 more.
- Pick Fort Wayne for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Fort Wayne | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $28,650 | +40% in Fort Wayne |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $75,860 | +33% in Fort Wayne |
| Software Developer | $126,460 | $101,560 | -20% in Fort Wayne |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | $61,730 | -19% in Fort Wayne |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $37,860 | -18% in Fort Wayne |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,940 | $37,210 | -15% in Fort Wayne |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $71,290 | +13% in Fort Wayne |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $102,070 | $90,300 | -12% in Fort Wayne |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Fort Wayne cheaper to live in?
Des Moines and Fort Wayne cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Fort Wayne to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $60,570 a year gives the same standard of living in Fort Wayne.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Fort Wayne?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $66,244 in Fort Wayne, 7% more in Des Moines.