A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
37%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Evansville Indiana National
Cost of living8990100
Goods & Services10094100
Groceries9598100
Health care8896100
Housing6372100
Transportation9195100
Utilities121107100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Evansville, IN

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Evansville? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Evansville stands at 89, making it 11% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Evansville?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 17 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Evansville. The feedback revealed that 18% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 82% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Evansville Affordable?

Is Evansville affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Evansville, the median home price is 46.6% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 16% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Evansville boasting a median household income of $42,623, 23% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Evansville?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday goods and services like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Evansville starts at 7% and the income tax rates start at 3.23%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Evansville, the healthcare costs are 12.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Evansville, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Evansville is 1% lower than the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Evansville is 11% lower than the national average
  • Evansville housing is 37% lower than the national average
  • Indiana general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Indiana state income tax is 43% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Evansville

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Compare Evansville, IN Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$56,698$4,725$1,323$1,701
      Renters$30,075$2,506$702$902
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Evansville, IN, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Evansville, homeowners have a median income of $56,698. Using that number, a maximum of $1,323 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $30,075, which means there is a maximum of $702 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Indiana Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Indiana 7% 7%

      Indiana Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Indiana 3.23% 3.23%

      Goods & Services

      Item Evansville National avg. Difference
      Haircut $25.34$24.264.4%
      Beauty Salon $44.12$45.563.2%
      Toothpaste $3.70$3.700.0%
      Shampoo $1.23$1.283.9%
      Movie $13.11$12.138.1%
      Bowling $16.17$18.0010.2%

      Groceries

      Item Evansville National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.74$5.841.8%
      Fried Chicken $1.37$1.5713.2%
      Milk $4.50$4.673.7%
      Potatoes $5.13$4.933.9%
      Pizza $11.24$12.097.0%
      Beer $9.75$10.416.4%

      Health Care

      Item Evansville National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $94.06$125.6825.2%
      Doctor $105.07$135.7822.6%
      Dentist $103.51$113.298.6%
      Ibuprofen $10.26$10.653.7%
      Lipitor $470.38$468.600.4%

      Housing

      Item Evansville National avg. Difference
      Home Price $98,600.00$184,700.0046.6%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,772.15$2,346.6924.5%
      Apartment Rent $797.00$949.0016.0%

      Transportation

      Item Evansville National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.25$3.466.1%
      Tire Balancing $50.23$59.9216.2%

      Utilities

      Item Evansville National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $259.32$193.9933.7%
      Phone $189.86$192.251.2%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cynthiana, IN6538515.2%
      Spottsville, KY3558515.0%
      Poseyville, IN1,0108613.9%
      Chandler, IN3,6698811.7%
      Anthoston, KY2848910.8%
      Evansville, IN118,4148911.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sugar Land, TX118,56312424.4%
      Richardson, TX118,58312525.0%
      Waterloo, ON118,234n/a 
      Cambridge, MA117,822201101.1%
      Terrebonne, QC119,135n/a 
      Evansville, IN118,4148911.1%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.