A+
15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
44%
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 Terre Haute Indiana National
Cost of living8589100
Groceries9897100
Health care9997100
Housing5672100
Transportation9896100
Utilities9696100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9895100
Household Items9798100
Education & Childcare9294100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Terre Haute, IN

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Terre Haute is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Terre Haute is 85, which is 15% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Housing expenses can absorb a substantial portion of your net income, sometimes exceeding 30%. Thankfully, Terre Haute stands out by reporting housing costs that are 44.2% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Terre Haute can allocate a more reasonable portion of their income to housing, allowing for greater financial flexibility.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Terre Haute?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 6 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Terre Haute and this is how they responded. 33% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 67% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Terre Haute Affordable?

Wondering if Terre Haute 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 Terre Haute, for example, the median home price is 53.7% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 22% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Terre Haute boasting a median household income of $55,666, which is 31.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Terre Haute?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Terre Haute, healthcare costs are 1% lower than the national average.

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 Terre Haute, the utilities index is 4.5% 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 Terre Haute, the groceries index is 2.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Terre Haute cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Terre Haute is 5% lower than the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Terre Haute is 15% lower than the national average
  • Terre Haute housing is 44% 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 Terre Haute

See all the best places to live around Terre Haute

Compare Terre Haute, 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$78,539$6,545$1,832$2,356
      Renters$34,250$2,854$799$1,028
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Terre Haute, IN, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Terre Haute have a median income of $78,539. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,832 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $34,250, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $799.

      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.
      Dresser, IN38973.1%
      Blanford, IN2537624.0%
      Universal, IN3527723.0%
      West Terre Haute, IN2,2808118.6%
      Rosedale, IN8648218.4%
      Terre Haute, IN62,7588515.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Malden, MA62,73514848.4%
      Monterey Park, CA62,57316969.0%
      Moore, OK62,967946.2%
      Millcreek, UT62,98212928.9%
      Leander, TX62,51211515.3%
      Terre Haute, IN62,7588515.4%
      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.