Factors influencing moving costs from Lafayette to Fort Wayne
What to know before moving from Lafayette to Fort Wayne
Moving from Lafayette to Fort Wayne comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Fort Wayne is generally more expensive than Lafayette, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Lafayette | Fort Wayne | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,825 | $1,163 |
Average home value | $214,264 | $227,803 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,490 | $53,978 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,785 | $2,600 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,208 | $3,150 |
Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 5.1% |
Sales tax | 9.45% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 3.15% |
- Rent prices in Fort Wayne are 59% lower than in Lafayette, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Lafayette.
Home prices in Fort Wayne are 6.3% higher than in Lafayette. - Income in Fort Wayne is 9.3% lower than in Lafayette, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Fort Wayne include Steel Dynamics, Franklin Electric, and Fort Wayne Community Schools.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Fort Wayne, since the cost of living for a single person in Fort Wayne is 45.7% higher than in Lafayette. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Fort Wayne is 25.1% lower than in Lafayette.
- The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne is 12.07% lower than in Lafayette.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fort Wayne, since the cityโs sales taxes in Fort Wayne are 25.93% lower than in Lafayette.
- One perk of moving to Fort Wayne is paying less in state income taxes, which are 25.88% lower than in Lafayette.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,369.75 in Fort Wayne to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lafayette.
How life is different in Lafayette vs. Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne | Lafayette | |
---|---|---|
Population | 265,974 | 121,374 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 3 |
Walkability score | 32 | 42 |
Bike friendliness score | 41 | 47 |
Crime Index | 40.9 | 45.75 |
Safety Index | 59.1 | 54.25 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Wayne's population is about 119% greater than Lafayette.
- Fort Wayne's public transportation has a similar score to Lafayette.
- Fort Wayne is less walkable than Lafayette with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Lafayette's 42 out of 100.
- Fort Wayne has a bike-friendliness score 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Lafayette, which has a score of 47 out of 100.
- Fort Wayne's crime rate is lower than Lafayette with a score of 40.9 compared to Lafayette's 45.75. This means that Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75%.
- Fort Wayne is considered to be safer than Lafayette with a safety index of 59.1 vs Lafayette's 54.25.
- Air quality in Fort Wayne is good, and in Lafayette it's good.
Other things to consider for your Lafayette vs. Fort Wayne move
- Weather: Fort Wayne summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. Severe weather is not uncommon, particularly in the spring and summer months; the city experiences an average of 39 thunderstorm days and about 10 severe weather days annually.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that itโs up to date.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Indiana moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Indiana doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Fort Wayne. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection โ a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items' full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Fort Wayne
Ready to relocate to "City of Churches"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Fort Wayne.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West Central
- North Anthony
- Downtown
- Northside
- Historic Northeast
Best neighborhoods for families
- Pine Valley
- Aboite Township
- Cherry Hill
- Arlington Park
- Georgetown
Things to do in Fort Wayne
Once youโre settled into your new home in Indiana, itโs time to get out and discover what Fort Wayne has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Fort Wayne features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Science Central, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, History Center, and Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, Kreager Park, Buckner Park, and Promenade Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL) and Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lafayette to Fort Wayne?
The best time to move from Lafayette to Fort Wayne is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lafayette.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lafayette to Fort Wayne?
Because most people are moving from Lafayette to Fort Wayne in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Lafayette to Fort Wayne take?
The 1,025-mile move from Lafayette, LA, to Fort Wayne, IN, takes two to eight days. Some Lafayette movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fort Wayne.