A+
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
40%
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 Decatur Indiana National
Cost of living8689100
Groceries9897100
Health care9597100
Housing6072100
Transportation10096100
Utilities9596100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items10098100
Education & Childcare9594100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Decatur, IN

Understanding the cost of living in Decatur 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 Decatur cost of living index is 86, which is 14% 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.

Housing expenses often consume a significant portion of your net income, occasionally surpassing 30%. Fortunately, housing costs in Decatur are 40.2% below the national average. This highlights the region's exceptional affordability for both homeownership and rentals in comparison to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more reasonable fraction of their income to housing, resulting in enhanced financial flexibility and improved overall financial well-being.

Is Decatur Affordable?

Wondering if Decatur is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Decatur, for example, the median home price is 42.1% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 35.7% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Decatur boasting a median household income of $68,003, which is 16.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Decatur?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Decatur, healthcare costs are 5.3% lower than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Decatur, is 40.2% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Decatur, the groceries index is 1.8% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Decatur cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Decatur is 4% lower than the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Decatur is 14% lower than the national average
  • Decatur housing is 40% 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 Decatur

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Compare Decatur, IN Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$81,175$6,765$1,894$2,435
      Renters$46,999$3,917$1,097$1,410
      The affordability of the housing market in Decatur, 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 Decatur homeowners, the median income is $81,175. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,894 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $46,999. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,097 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 3.15% 3.15%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wren, OH1918020.4%
      Willshire, OH3568118.6%
      Vera Cruz, IN698317.3%
      Convoy, OH1,1358316.9%
      Monroeville, IN1,3558515.1%
      Decatur, IN10,0248614.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Corte Madera, CA10,023254153.9%
      Hamburg, NY10,0251065.8%
      Richmond Heights, FL10,02611111.4%
      Yarmouth, NS10,021n/a 
      Uniontown, PA10,0288218.1%
      Decatur, IN10,0248614.1%
      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.