Factors influencing moving costs from Spokane to Fort Waynetoggle

The cost of Spokane movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Spokane to Fort Wayne can be as low as $1,791 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 14,334.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Spokane, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,293 to $3,556. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Spokane to Fort Wayne

Moving from Spokane to Fort Wayne comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Fort Wayne is generally more expensive than Spokane, itโ€™s 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:

Spokane Fort Wayne
Average rent cost $1,450 $1,163
Average home value $375,614 $227,803
Average income (per capita) $60,801 $53,978
Cost of living (single person) $2,556 $2,600
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,270 $3,150
Unemployment rate 6.6% 5.1%
Sales tax 9.0% 7.0%
State income tax 0.0% 3.15%
  • Rent prices in Fort Wayne are 20% lower than in Spokane, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Fort Wayne.
    Home prices in Fort Wayne are 39.4% lower than in Spokane.
  • Income in Fort Wayne is 11.2% lower than in Spokane, 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 1.7% higher than in Spokane. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Fort Wayne is 49.8% lower than in Spokane.
  • The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne is 22.73% lower than in Spokane.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fort Wayne, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Fort Wayne are 22.22% lower than in Spokane.
  • State income taxes in Fort Wayne are 3.15% higher than in Spokane.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,051.64 in Fort Wayne to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Spokane.

How life is different in Spokane vs. Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne Spokane
Population 265,974 593,466
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 6
Walkability score 32 49
Bike friendliness score 41 52
Crime Index 40.9 3.0
Safety Index 59.1 44.94
Air Quality Good Good
  • Fort Wayne's population is about 55% less than Spokane.
  • Fort Wayne's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Spokane's higher score of 6.
  • Fort Wayne is less walkable than Spokane with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Spokane's 49 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 Spokane, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
  • Fort Wayne's crime rate is higher than Spokane with a score of 40.9 compared to Spokane's 3.0. This means that Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Spokane neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • Fort Wayne is considered to be safer than Spokane with a safety index of 59.1 vs Spokane's 44.94.
  • Air quality in Fort Wayne is good, and in Spokane it's good.

Other things to consider for your Spokane 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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 itโ€™s up to date. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Indiana, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Indiana doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Fort Wayne without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Fort Wayne

With your sights set on "City of Churches", these are some of the most popular 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

Now that you've made the move to Indiana, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Fort Wayne. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Fort Wayne, such as the Science Central, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, History Center, and Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, Kreager Park, Buckner Park, and Promenade Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Spokane to Fort Wayne?

The best time to move from Spokane 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 Spokane.

When is the cheapest time to move from Spokane to Fort Wayne?

Because most people are moving from Spokane 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 Spokane to Fort Wayne take?

The 1,945-mile move from Spokane, WA, to Fort Wayne, IN, takes five to 16 days. Some Spokane movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fort Wayne.

Helpful moving resources