Factors influencing moving costs from Wichita to Fort Waynetoggle

The cost of Wichita 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 Wichita to Fort Wayne can be as low as $1,499 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,166.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Wichita, 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 $683 to $1,651. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Wichita to Fort Wayne

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

Wichita Fort Wayne
Average rent cost $930 $1,163
Average home value $190,905 $227,803
Average income (per capita) $60,712 $53,978
Cost of living (single person) $2,107 $2,600
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,818 $3,150
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.1%
Sales tax 7.5% 7.0%
State income tax 5.7% 3.15%
  • Rent prices in Fort Wayne are 25% higher than in Wichita, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Wichita.
    Home prices in Fort Wayne are 19.3% higher than in Wichita.
  • Income in Fort Wayne is 11.1% lower than in Wichita, 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 23.4% higher than in Wichita. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Fort Wayne is 45.9% lower than in Wichita.
  • The unemployment rate in Fort Wayne is 13.56% lower than in Wichita.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fort Wayne, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Fort Wayne are 6.67% lower than in Wichita.
  • One perk of moving to Fort Wayne is paying less in state income taxes, which are 44.74% lower than in Wichita.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,701.95 in Fort Wayne to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Wichita.

How life is different in Wichita vs. Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne Wichita
Population 265,974 397,532
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 3
Walkability score 32 35
Bike friendliness score 41 44
Crime Index 40.9 49.19
Safety Index 59.1 50.81
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Fort Wayne's population is about 33% less than Wichita.
  • Fort Wayne's public transportation has a similar score to Wichita.
  • Fort Wayne and Wichita are similarily walkable.
  • Both Fort Wayne and Wichita have the same bike-friendliness score of 44 out of 100, meaning Fort Wayne is about as safe for cyclists as Wichita. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Fort Wayne's crime rate is lower than Wichita with a score of 40.9 compared to Wichita's 49.19. This means that Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Wichita neighborhoods are safer than 49.19%.
  • Fort Wayne is considered to be safer than Wichita with a safety index of 59.1 vs Wichita's 50.81.
  • Air quality in Fort Wayne is good, and in Wichita it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Wichita 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 itโ€™s 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\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s 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. Youโ€™ll 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

After getting comfortable in your new Indiana home, itโ€™s time to see what Fort Wayne is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Fort Wayne include museums and art 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 cityโ€™s Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, Kreager Park, Buckner Park, and Promenade Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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 Wichita to Fort Wayne?

The best time to move from Wichita 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 Wichita.

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

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

The 802-mile move from Wichita, KS, to Fort Wayne, IN, takes two to seven days. Some Wichita 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