Cost of Living in Elkhart, IN
Population 53,726 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Elkhart's median household income of $47,885 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (19% here).
Elkhart sits roughly 15 miles east of South Bend — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with South Bend's $125,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Elkhart
The median home value in Elkhart is $126,900 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $981/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,885/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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, Elkhart has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% 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 Elkhart, IN?
Elkhart has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.
What is average rent in Elkhart, IN?
The median gross rent in Elkhart is $981 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Elkhart?
The median home value in Elkhart is $126,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Elkhart?
The median household income in Elkhart is $47,885 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Elkhart, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Elkhart is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Elkhart, IN affordable?
Yes, Elkhart is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.
Elkhart at a Glance
- Population
- 53,726
- Median Income
- $47,885
- Home Value
- $126,900
- Median Rent
- $981/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
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