Cost of Living in Merrillville, IN
Population 36,343 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Merrillville stay well under national norms: a median home value of $194,000 against median household incomes of $64,791 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Indiana. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 30 miles southeast of Chicago, Merrillville falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 38% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Merrillville
The median home value in Merrillville is $194,000 — 36% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,304/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,791/year is 13% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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, Merrillville has a cost of living index of 78 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% 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 Merrillville, IN?
Merrillville has a cost index of 78 (100 = national average). It is 22% below the national average.
What is average rent in Merrillville, IN?
The median gross rent in Merrillville is $1,304 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Merrillville?
The median home value in Merrillville is $194,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Merrillville?
The median household income in Merrillville is $64,791 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Merrillville, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Merrillville is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Merrillville, IN affordable?
Yes, Merrillville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 78 — about 22% below the US national average of 100.
Merrillville at a Glance
- Population
- 36,343
- Median Income
- $64,791
- Home Value
- $194,000
- Median Rent
- $1,304/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
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