Cost of Living in Chesterton, IN
Population 14,326 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Chesterton is a smaller Indiana community of around 14000 residents, where median household incomes of $88,536 and housing costs ($280,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 7.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Chesterton is about 35 miles east of Chicago, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chesterton
The median home value in Chesterton is $280,400 — 8% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,145/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $88,536/year is 19% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, above 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, Chesterton has a cost of living index of 90 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chesterton, IN?
Chesterton has a cost index of 90 (100 = national average). It is 10% below the national average.
What is average rent in Chesterton, IN?
The median gross rent in Chesterton is $1,145 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chesterton?
The median home value in Chesterton is $280,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chesterton?
The median household income in Chesterton is $88,536 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chesterton, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chesterton is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Chesterton, IN affordable?
Chesterton is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 90 (100 = US average).
Chesterton at a Glance
- Population
- 14,326
- Median Income
- $88,536
- Home Value
- $280,400
- Median Rent
- $1,145/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.8%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Indiana Rankings
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