Fort Wayne, Indiana
In Fort Wayne, Indiana, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.81 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.36 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $954.78, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.9% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Fort Wayne's cost-of-living index of 78 puts it below the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.81
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$954.78
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.9%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$10.34
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.67 | $1.97 | $2.52 | $3.73 | $2.05 | +22.8% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.10 | $3.32 | $3.32 | $3.49 | $3.63 | +17.1% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $3.64 | $4.42 | $4.59 | $4.82 | $4.87 | +33.8% |
| Bread (loaf) | $1.97 | $2.66 | $2.87 | $3.04 | $3.04 | +54.3% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.33 | $3.49 | $3.59 | $3.66 | $3.62 | +8.7% |
| Butter (lb) | $3.95 | $4.38 | $4.55 | $4.78 | $5.02 | +27.1% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.11 | $6.47 | $6.93 | $7.14 | $7.28 | +19.1% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.29 | $5.88 | $5.99 | $6.23 | $6.29 | +18.9% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.42 | $1.73 | $1.83 | $1.87 | $1.89 | +33.1% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $3.87 | $4.41 | $4.54 | $4.68 | $4.82 | +24.5% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $7.91 | $9.59 | $10.46 | $10.98 | $11.20 | +41.6% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.40 | $4.01 | $4.37 | $4.68 | $4.96 | +45.9% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $3.50 | $3.67 | $3.85 | $4.01 | $4.05 | +15.7% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.10 | $4.39 | $4.61 | $4.70 | $4.84 | +18.0% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.01 | $2.27 | $2.36 | $2.43 | $2.48 | +23.4% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.66 | $1.81 | $1.97 | $2.07 | $2.11 | +27.1% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $4.87 | $6.21 | $6.77 | $7.11 | $7.18 | +47.4% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $3.79 | $4.05 | $4.25 | $4.51 | $4.65 | +22.7% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.42 | $5.13 | $5.43 | $5.65 | $5.65 | +27.8% |
| Frozen Pizza | $5.77 | $6.99 | $7.40 | $8.00 | $8.32 | +44.2% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$10.34
Casual Dining
$17.76
Monthly Spend
$315.34
+5.09% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $6.41
$10.34
+61.3%Wendy's
2022: $7.24
$11.17
+54.3%Chipotle
2022: $7.75
$11.58
+49.4%Starbucks
2022: $3.54
$4.91
+38.7%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Fort Wayne?
Average 1BR: $892.32/mo · 2BR: $1,137/mo
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