Factors influencing moving costs from Dayton to Fort Wayne
What to know before moving from Dayton to Fort Wayne
Moving from Dayton to Fort Wayne comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Fort Wayne is generally more expensive than Dayton, 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:
Dayton | Fort Wayne | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $925 | $1,163 |
Average home value | $135,815 | $227,803 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,673 | $53,978 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,593 | $2,600 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,788 | $3,150 |
Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 5.1% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 3.5% | 3.15% |
- Rent prices in Fort Wayne are 26% higher than in Dayton, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Dayton.
Home prices in Fort Wayne are 67.7% higher than in Dayton. - Income in Fort Wayne is 13.9% lower than in Dayton, 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 63.2% higher than in Dayton. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Fort Wayne is 16.8% lower than in Dayton.
- The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne is 25.00% lower than in Dayton.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fort Wayne, since the cityโs sales taxes in Fort Wayne are 6.67% lower than in Dayton.
- One perk of moving to Fort Wayne is paying less in state income taxes, which are 10.00% lower than in Dayton.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,896.42 in Fort Wayne to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dayton.
How life is different in Dayton vs. Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne | Dayton | |
---|---|---|
Population | 265,974 | 137,644 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 6 |
Walkability score | 32 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 41 | 47 |
Crime Index | 40.9 | 4.0 |
Safety Index | 59.1 | 40.68 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Fort Wayne's population is about 93% greater than Dayton.
- Fort Wayne's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Dayton's higher score of 6.
- Fort Wayne is less walkable than Dayton with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Dayton's 45 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 Dayton, which has a score of 47 out of 100.
- Fort Wayne's crime rate is higher than Dayton with a score of 40.9 compared to Dayton's 4.0. This means that Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0%.
- Fort Wayne is considered to be safer than Dayton with a safety index of 59.1 vs Dayton's 40.68.
- Air quality in Fort Wayne is good, and in Dayton it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Dayton 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Indiana, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toFort Wayne Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Fort Wayne
Now that youโve chosen "City of Churches" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Fort Wayne to check out.
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
After settling into your new Indiana home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Fort Wayne has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Fort Wayne is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL) and Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Fort Wayne?
The best time to move from Dayton 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 Dayton.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dayton to Fort Wayne?
Because most people are moving from Dayton 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 Dayton to Fort Wayne take?
The 126-mile move from Dayton, OH, to Fort Wayne, IN, takes one to two days. Some Dayton movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fort Wayne.