A+
19%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
49%
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 New Castle Indiana National
Cost of living8189100
Groceries9697100
Health care9797100
Housing5172100
Transportation9496100
Utilities9396100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9295100
Household Items9898100
Education & Childcare9194100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in New Castle, IN

The cost of living in New Castle affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in New Castle is 81, which is 19% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

New Castle housing costs are 49.3% less than the national average, making this area an affordable place to live. Your net income can be heavily impacted by housing expenses, at times exceeding 30%. Fortunately, this area demonstrates that both homeownership and renting costs are significantly more budget-friendly than in the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, New Castle residents can earmark a more manageable portion of their income to housing.

Is New Castle Affordable?

Wondering if New Castle 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 New Castle, for example, the median home price is 57.9% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 29.2% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with New Castle boasting a median household income of $63,055, which is 22.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in New Castle?

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In New Castle, the housing index comes in at 49.3% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In New Castle, the transportation index stands at 6.3% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In New Castle, the groceries index is 4.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for New Castle 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 New Castle is 9% lower than the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in New Castle is 19% lower than the national average
  • New Castle housing is 49% 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 New Castle

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Compare New Castle, 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$77,189$6,432$1,801$2,316
      Renters$36,976$3,081$863$1,109
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in New Castle, IN, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In New Castle, the median monthly income is $77,189 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,801 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $36,976, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $863 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Blountsville, IN867624.4%
      Mount Auburn, IN968020.2%
      Cadiz, IN2518019.8%
      Losantville, IN2648020.1%
      Mooreland, IN3498019.9%
      New Castle, IN17,7798118.6%

      Cities with similar population

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      Ocean Acres, NJ17,77412726.6%
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      Miramichi, NB17,761n/a 
      Nederland, TX17,748954.7%
      Pampa, TX17,7438514.6%
      New Castle, IN17,7798118.6%
      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.