A-
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
11%
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 Portage Indiana National
Cost of living9990100
Goods & Services10794100
Groceries10498100
Health care10896100
Housing8972100
Transportation10795100
Utilities89107100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Portage, IN

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Portage? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Portage stands at 99, making it 1% 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.

The cost of living in Portage is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Portage Affordable?

Is Portage 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 Portage, the median home price is 15.2% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 1.4% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Portage boasting a median household income of $59,731, 8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Portage?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Portage, the housing index is 11.1% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Portage, healthcare costs are 7.7% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Portage, the transportation index is 7.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Portage, 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 Portage is 11% higher than the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Portage is 1% lower than the national average
  • Portage housing is 11% 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 Portage

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Compare Portage, 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$74,130$6,178$1,730$2,224
      Renters$31,181$2,598$728$936
      The affordability of the housing market in Portage, IN as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Portage homeowners, the median income is $74,130. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,730 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $31,181. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $728 for their rent related monthly costs.

      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 Portage National avg. Difference
      Haircut $33.69$24.2638.9%
      Beauty Salon $53.44$45.5617.3%
      Toothpaste $3.75$3.701.4%
      Shampoo $1.27$1.281.1%
      Movie $17.91$12.1347.6%
      Bowling $24.58$18.0036.6%

      Groceries

      Item Portage National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.28$5.849.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.42$1.579.7%
      Milk $4.87$4.674.3%
      Potatoes $4.90$4.930.7%
      Pizza $13.41$12.0910.9%
      Beer $10.00$10.414.0%

      Health Care

      Item Portage National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $118.27$125.685.9%
      Doctor $167.67$135.7823.5%
      Dentist $128.22$113.2913.2%
      Ibuprofen $10.97$10.652.9%
      Lipitor $382.34$468.6018.4%

      Housing

      Item Portage National avg. Difference
      Home Price $156,600.00$184,700.0015.2%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,578.06$2,346.699.9%
      Apartment Rent $936.00$949.001.4%

      Transportation

      Item Portage National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.56$3.462.7%
      Tire Balancing $70.87$59.9218.3%

      Utilities

      Item Portage National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $148.58$193.9923.4%
      Phone $210.03$192.259.3%
      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.
      Wheeler, IN2291043.9%
      East Chicago, IN28,0448712.7%
      Gary, IN75,4868812.0%
      Lake Station, IN11,952918.6%
      New Chicago, IN1,846918.6%
      Portage, IN36,524990.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lincoln Park, MI36,5258812.3%
      Rome, GA36,518909.9%
      Penticton, BC36,498n/a 
      Bartlesville, OK36,4958713.0%
      Dunedin, FL36,4801033.0%
      Portage, IN36,524990.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.