Moving from College Station, TX to Fort Wayne, IN
Relocating 1130 mi from College Station to Fort Wayne is a 20h 38m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1130 mi Β· 20h 38m by car Β· IN β IL β MO β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IN β IL β MO β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 70, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Little Rock, Tyler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| College Station | Fort Wayne | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.951 | 92.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.39 | 86.247 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.318 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.088 | 72.277 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.951 vs 92.572 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.8% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $349,041 to $242,385 moving to Fort Wayne.
YoY change: College Station +0.5%, Fort Wayne +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | College Station | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 39.5" |
Expect 18.5Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Fort Wayne averages 33.6 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLLEGE STN, TX US, FT WAYNE INTL AP, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | College Station | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,280 | 266,235 |
| Median household income | $51,776 | $60,293 |
| Median age | 22.9 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.74 | 2.43 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.8% higher in Fort Wayne than College Station.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Wayne MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 26,110 | $44,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 25,400 | $40,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,710 | $37,780 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,890 | $35,030 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 19,190 | $28,570 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Fort Wayne averages 33.6 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (18.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Indiana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Fort Wayne, IN from College Station, TX?
The driving distance is 1130 mi and the route typically takes 20h 38m via I 57 and I 70. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in College Station vs Fort Wayne?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,293 in Fort Wayne vs $51,776 in College Station β a 16.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Fort Wayne compared to College Station?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,385 in Fort Wayne vs $349,041 in College Station β a 30.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from College Station to Fort Wayne?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1130 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Fort Wayne more expensive than College Station?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Wayne is 1.8% higher than College Station (92.572 vs 90.951, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Fort Wayne compare to College Station?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,600 in the Fort Wayne MSA vs $42,710 in the College Station MSA, on total employment of 221,290 and 128,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from College Station.
City profiles: College Station, TX Β· Fort Wayne, IN.