A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
37%
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 Evansville Indiana National
Cost of living8789100
Groceries9797100
Health care9497100
Housing6372100
Transportation9796100
Utilities9496100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9995100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9994100
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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 87, making it 13% 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?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 19 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Evansville and this is how they responded. 16% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 84% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Evansville Affordable?

Is Evansville an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Evansville is 45.7% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 18.2% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Evansville has a median household income of $62,565, which is 23.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Evansville?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Evansville, the utilities index is 5.9% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Evansville, healthcare costs are 5.6% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Evansville are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Evansville is 3% lower than the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Evansville is 13% 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 21% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Evansville

See all the best places to live around Evansville

Compare Evansville, IN Cost of Living

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      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$86,139$7,178$2,010$2,584
      Renters$44,924$3,744$1,048$1,348
      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 $86,139. Using that number, a maximum of $2,010 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $44,924, which means there is a maximum of $1,048 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 3.15% 3.15%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cynthiana, IN6808317.5%
      Spottsville, KY3638316.8%
      Poseyville, IN1,0318415.8%
      Chandler, IN3,7528613.7%
      Anthoston, KY2938713.1%
      Evansville, IN121,7588713.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rochester, MN121,6871065.5%
      Cambridge, MA121,456205104.5%
      Lansing, MI122,1398712.7%
      Richardson, TX121,33911717.1%
      Fairfield, CA121,00015150.7%
      Evansville, IN121,7588713.4%
      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.