A+
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
29%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Auburn Indiana National
Cost of living8989100
Groceries9897100
Health care9597100
Housing7172100
Transportation10096100
Utilities9596100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items10098100
Education & Childcare9594100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Auburn, IN

Understanding the cost of living in Auburn can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Auburn cost of living index is 89, which is 11% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Is Auburn Affordable?

Is Auburn 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 Auburn, the median home price is 29.1% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 27.6% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Auburn boasting a median household income of $76,617, 5.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Auburn?

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Auburn, the transportation index is 0.2% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Auburn, the groceries index registers 1.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Auburn cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Auburn is equal to the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Auburn is 11% lower than the national average
  • Auburn housing is 29% lower than the national average
  • Indiana general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Indiana state income tax is 21% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Auburn

See all the best places to live around Auburn

Compare Auburn, IN Cost of Living

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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$101,728$8,477$2,373$3,052
      Renters$46,427$3,869$1,083$1,393
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Auburn, IN, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Auburn homeowners, is $101,728. This would allow for a maximum of $2,373 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $46,427 which would result in a maximum of $1,083 to be spent on rental 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 3.15% 3.15%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      St. Joe, IN4668119.0%
      Waterloo, IN2,2848316.6%
      Ashley, IN1,0828416.5%
      Corunna, IN1958416.1%
      Butler, IN2,9588415.8%
      Auburn, IN13,6738910.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rendon, TX13,6731099.2%
      Montgomeryville, PA13,67212424.5%
      Huron, SD13,6728613.6%
      Lahaina, HI13,68018786.7%
      Baker, LA13,684918.8%
      Auburn, IN13,6738910.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.