A+
18%
Overall NAT. AVG.
14%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
40%
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 Michigan City Indiana National
Cost of living8290100
Goods & Services8694100
Groceries10098100
Health care8796100
Housing6072100
Transportation9095100
Utilities101107100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Michigan City, IN

Knowing the cost of living in Michigan City 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 Michigan City stands at 82, marking it 18% lower than the national average.

Everyday items like clothes, personal care products and fun activities all add up to what it costs to live. The thing is, in Michigan City, these goods and services are 13.8% cheaper than what people pay on average across the country. That means you can enjoy what you need and like without going broke. With these savings, you can stash more cash in your savings or use it for other money goals, which can really boost your financial health.

Is Michigan City Affordable?

Is Michigan City 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 Michigan City, the median home price is 48.5% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 19.5% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Michigan City boasting a median household income of $44,930, 18.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Michigan City?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Michigan City, the healthcare costs are 12.7% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Michigan City, the groceries index is 0.1% lower than the national average.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Michigan City, the transportation index is 10.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Michigan City 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 Michigan City is 8% lower than the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Michigan City is 18% lower than the national average
  • Michigan City housing is 40% 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 Michigan City

See all the best places to live around Michigan City

Compare Michigan City, 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$59,967$4,997$1,399$1,799
      Renters$30,965$2,580$722$929
      The affordability of the housing market in Michigan City, 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 Michigan City homeowners, the median income is $59,967. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,399 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $30,965. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $722 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Michigan City National avg. Difference
      Haircut $20.78$24.2614.4%
      Beauty Salon $52.07$45.5614.3%
      Toothpaste $3.66$3.701.1%
      Shampoo $1.34$1.284.6%
      Movie $13.08$12.137.8%
      Bowling $10.44$18.0042.0%

      Groceries

      Item Michigan City National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.31$5.848.0%
      Fried Chicken $1.62$1.573.0%
      Milk $4.83$4.673.3%
      Potatoes $4.96$4.930.4%
      Pizza $11.04$12.098.7%
      Beer $9.65$10.417.3%

      Health Care

      Item Michigan City National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $132.22$125.685.2%
      Doctor $117.36$135.7813.6%
      Dentist $99.95$113.2911.8%
      Ibuprofen $10.40$10.652.4%
      Lipitor $356.34$468.6024.0%

      Housing

      Item Michigan City National avg. Difference
      Home Price $95,100.00$184,700.0048.5%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,868.87$2,346.6920.4%
      Apartment Rent $764.00$949.0019.5%

      Transportation

      Item Michigan City National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.38$3.462.4%
      Tire Balancing $42.17$59.9229.6%

      Utilities

      Item Michigan City National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $199.24$193.992.7%
      Phone $190.02$192.251.2%
      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.
      La Porte, IN21,3288316.8%
      Kingsbury, IN1898316.6%
      Town of Pines, IN7478416.2%
      Westville, IN5,8228514.6%
      Three Oaks, MI1,3478713.4%
      Michigan City, IN31,1918217.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Naugatuck, CT31,2011088.4%
      Needham, MA31,177201101.0%
      Princeton, NJ31,16119190.8%
      Sherwood, AR31,225964.3%
      West Falls Church, VA31,26215555.3%
      Michigan City, IN31,1918217.9%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.