Cost of Living in Bedford, IN
Population 13,824 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Bedford is a smaller Indiana community of around 14000 residents, where median household incomes of $50,253 and housing costs ($137,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Bedford is about 65 miles south of Indianapolis city (balance), the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Indianapolis city (balance)'s $207,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bedford
The median home value in Bedford is $136,900 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $819/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,253/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Indiana's top state income tax rate is 3.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. Overall, Bedford has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bedford, IN?
Bedford has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bedford, IN?
The median gross rent in Bedford is $819 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bedford?
The median home value in Bedford is $136,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bedford?
The median household income in Bedford is $50,253 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bedford, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bedford is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Bedford, IN affordable?
Yes, Bedford is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
Bedford at a Glance
- Population
- 13,824
- Median Income
- $50,253
- Home Value
- $136,900
- Median Rent
- $819/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
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