A-
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
13%
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 Merrillville Indiana National
Cost of living9990100
Goods & Services10794100
Groceries10498100
Health care10896100
Housing8772100
Transportation10795100
Utilities89107100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Merrillville, IN

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Merrillville 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 Merrillville is 99, which is 1% 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.

The cost of living in Merrillville closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Merrillville can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Merrillville Affordable?

Is Merrillville affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Merrillville, for instance, where the median home price falls 23.9% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 13.3% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Merrillville flaunting a median household income of $63,381, 14.6% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Merrillville?

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Merrillville, the transportation index is 7.2% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

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 Merrillville, the groceries index is 3.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Merrillville displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Merrillville is 10% higher than the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Merrillville is 1% lower than the national average
  • Merrillville housing is 13% 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 Merrillville

See all the best places to live around Merrillville

Compare Merrillville, 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$74,330$6,194$1,734$2,230
      Renters$38,701$3,225$903$1,161
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Merrillville, 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 Merrillville, homeowners have a median income of $74,330. Using that number, a maximum of $1,734 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $38,701, which means there is a maximum of $903 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Merrillville National avg. Difference
      Haircut $33.69$24.2638.9%
      Beauty Salon $53.44$45.5617.3%
      Toothpaste $3.75$3.701.4%
      Shampoo $1.27$1.281.1%
      Movie $17.91$12.1347.6%
      Bowling $24.58$18.0036.6%

      Groceries

      Item Merrillville National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.28$5.849.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.42$1.579.7%
      Milk $4.87$4.674.3%
      Potatoes $4.90$4.930.7%
      Pizza $13.41$12.0910.9%
      Beer $10.00$10.414.0%

      Health Care

      Item Merrillville National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $118.27$125.685.9%
      Doctor $167.67$135.7823.5%
      Dentist $128.22$113.2913.2%
      Ibuprofen $10.97$10.652.9%
      Lipitor $382.34$468.6018.4%

      Housing

      Item Merrillville National avg. Difference
      Home Price $140,600.00$184,700.0023.9%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,578.06$2,346.699.9%
      Apartment Rent $1,075.00$949.0013.3%

      Transportation

      Item Merrillville National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.56$3.462.7%
      Tire Balancing $70.87$59.9218.3%

      Utilities

      Item Merrillville National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $148.58$193.9923.4%
      Phone $210.03$192.259.3%
      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.
      Wheeler, IN2291043.9%
      Ford Heights, IL2,7058614.2%
      East Chicago, IN28,0448712.7%
      Gary, IN75,4868812.0%
      Lake Station, IN11,952918.6%
      Merrillville, IN34,871991.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Redan, GA34,870945.7%
      Sorel-Tracy, QC34,850n/a 
      Englewood, CO34,84012626.4%
      Brunswick, OH34,902963.7%
      Pleasant Hill, CA34,90319292.4%
      Merrillville, IN34,871991.1%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.