A+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
30%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Auburn Indiana National
Cost of living9090100
Goods & Services9694100
Groceries10198100
Health care9696100
Housing7072100
Transportation9895100
Utilities102107100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Auburn, IN

Knowing the cost of living in Auburn allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Auburn stands at 90, marking it 10% lower than the national average.

Is Auburn Affordable?

Is Auburn affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Auburn, the median home price is 31.8% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 25.8% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Auburn boasting a median household income of $51,855, 6.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Auburn?

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Auburn, the utilities index stands at 1.5% higher 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 Auburn, is 30% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Auburn, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Auburn is equal to the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Auburn is 10% lower than the national average
  • Auburn housing is 30% 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 Auburn

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Compare Auburn, IN Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$67,422$5,619$1,573$2,023
      Renters$31,217$2,601$728$937
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Auburn, IN, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Auburn homeowners, is $67,422. This would allow for a maximum of $1,573 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $31,217 which would result in a maximum of $728 to be spent on rental 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Auburn National avg. Difference
      Haircut $26.22$24.268.1%
      Beauty Salon $33.78$45.5625.9%
      Toothpaste $3.63$3.702.0%
      Shampoo $1.32$1.283.3%
      Movie $12.75$12.135.1%
      Bowling $16.72$18.007.1%

      Groceries

      Item Auburn National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.10$5.844.4%
      Fried Chicken $1.64$1.574.1%
      Milk $4.74$4.671.5%
      Potatoes $5.08$4.933.0%
      Pizza $12.79$12.095.8%
      Beer $10.06$10.413.3%

      Health Care

      Item Auburn National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $104.30$125.6817.0%
      Doctor $119.61$135.7811.9%
      Dentist $110.00$113.292.9%
      Ibuprofen $10.59$10.650.6%
      Lipitor $528.19$468.6012.7%

      Housing

      Item Auburn National avg. Difference
      Home Price $126,000.00$184,700.0031.8%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,635.69$2,346.6930.3%
      Apartment Rent $704.00$949.0025.8%

      Transportation

      Item Auburn National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.35$3.463.2%
      Tire Balancing $59.65$59.920.5%

      Utilities

      Item Auburn National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $197.87$193.992.0%
      Phone $192.69$192.250.2%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      St. Joe, IN4568218.5%
      Ashley, IN1,0518416.1%
      Corunna, IN1908416.0%
      Waterloo, IN2,2178416.0%
      Edon, OH8788515.4%
      Auburn, IN13,2099010.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      New Ulm, MN13,209927.8%
      Wellington North, ON13,212n/a 
      Rochester, MI13,20312423.7%
      Verona, WI13,21512222.0%
      Lahaina, HI13,21618887.8%
      Auburn, IN13,2099010.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.