A+
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
45%
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 Wabash Indiana National
Cost of living8489100
Groceries9897100
Health care9697100
Housing5572100
Transportation9996100
Utilities9996100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items9698100
Education & Childcare9394100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Wabash, IN

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Wabash 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 Wabash is 84, which is 16% 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, Wabash stands out by reporting housing costs that are 45.1% 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 Wabash can allocate a more reasonable portion of their income to housing, allowing for greater financial flexibility.

Is Wabash Affordable?

Is Wabash an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Wabash, the median home price is 52.1% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 28.9% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Wabash come in at $66,603, which is 18.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Wabash?

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 Wabash, is 45.1% lower than the national average.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Wabash, the utilities index registers 1.2% 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 Wabash, healthcare costs are 4.4% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Wabash 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 Wabash is 5% lower than the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Wabash is 16% lower than the national average
  • Wabash housing is 45% 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 Wabash

See all the best places to live around Wabash

Compare Wabash, 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$81,338$6,778$1,898$2,440
      Renters$36,670$3,056$856$1,100
      The affordability of the housing market in Wabash, 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 Wabash homeowners, the median income is $81,338. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,898 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $36,670. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $856 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.
      Landess, IN93955.5%
      Jalapa, IN146973.1%
      Mount Etna, IN1368020.2%
      Bunker Hill, IN6568019.6%
      Lagro, IN4328118.8%
      Wabash, IN10,2438415.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rodeo, CA10,24215252.2%
      River Grove, IL10,2461022.4%
      Shelburne, ON10,249n/a 
      George Mason, VA10,25215959.0%
      Kapaa, HI10,23216867.8%
      Wabash, IN10,2438415.7%
      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.