Things to know before moving from Wisconsin to Fort Wayne, IN

Cost of living: Wisconsin vs Fort Wayne, IN

Wisconsin Fort Wayne
Average rent cost $1,100 $1,163
Average home value $306,566 $227,803
Average income (per capita) $72,458 $53,978
Unemployment rate 3% 5%
State income tax 8% 3%
  • Rent is about 6% more expensive in Fort Wayne than in Wisconsin.
  • Home prices are about 26% lower in Fort Wayne than in Wisconsin.
  • The average income is about 26% lower in Fort Wayne than in Wisconsin.
  • Fort Wayne has a higher unemployment rate than Wisconsin by about 76%.
  • Income taxes are 59% lower in Fort Wayne than in Wisconsin.

How life is different in Fort Wayne from Wisconsin

Fort Wayne Wisconsin
Population 265,974 5,910,955
Political leaning Republican 49.8-48.3 Republican 51-49
Summer high 84ºF 81ºF
Winter low 17ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 38" 34"
Annual snow 30" 48"
Crime index 40.9 16.82
  • The population of Fort Wayne is approximately 96% lower than the population of Wisconsin.
  • In the last presidential election, Fort Wayne voted Republican and Wisconsin voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Fort Wayne is 84ºF and in Wisconsin, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Fort Wayne reaches the temperature of 17ºF and Wisconsin gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Fort Wayne vs 34 inches of rainfall in Wisconsin.
  • In Fort Wayne, it snows about 30 inches annually vs 48 inches of snow in Wisconsin.
  • Fort Wayne has a higher crime rate than Wisconsin with a crime index of 40.9 vs 16.82.

Things to do in Fort Wayne

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Fort Wayne.

Museums in Fort Waynetoggle

  • Science Central
  • Fort Wayne Museum of Art
  • Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum
  • History Center
  • Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society
  • Fort Wayne Aviation Museum
  • Diocesan of Forth Wayne - South Bend Museum
  • African-American Historical Museum

Parks in Fort Waynetoggle

  • Lakeside Park & Rose Garden
  • Kreager Park
  • Buckner Park
  • Promenade Park
  • Fox Island County Park
  • Metea Park

Sports Teams in Fort Waynetoggle

  • Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)
  • Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G League)

Universities in Fort Waynetoggle

  • University Fort Wayne
  • Purdue University Fort Wayne
  • Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne

Other considerations when moving to Fort Wayne, IN

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 it’s up to date. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Indiana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Indiana. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Wisconsin to Fort Wayne take?

The time frame for a move from Wisconsin to Fort Wayne, IN, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Wisconsin, the longer the drive time to Fort Wayne will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Fort Wayne from Wisconsin can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Wisconsin to Fort Wayne?

Because of the 332-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Wisconsin to Fort Wayne as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Fort Wayne, IN?

With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 17ºF, most people move to Fort Wayne from Wisconsin during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Fort Wayne during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources