Cost of Living in Muncie, IN
Population 64,739 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $43,395, median household incomes in Muncie land roughly 42% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 30% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Muncie is about 35 miles east of Fishers, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 75% lower than Fishers' $370,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Muncie
The median home value in Muncie is $92,000 — 70% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $867/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,395/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.6%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 63.0°F and lows of 44.3°F. Overall, Muncie has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36 | 40 | 51 | 64 | 75 | 83 | 86 | 84 | 79 | 66 | 52 | 41 |
| Low °F | 21 | 24 | 33 | 43 | 54 | 64 | 66 | 63 | 56 | 45 | 36 | 27 |
| Precip" | 2.52 | 2.27 | 3.08 | 3.89 | 4.36 | 4.81 | 4.10 | 3.38 | 3.09 | 2.96 | 3.23 | 2.57 |
💨 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 Muncie, IN?
Muncie has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.
What is average rent in Muncie, IN?
The median gross rent in Muncie is $867 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Muncie?
The median home value in Muncie is $92,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Muncie?
The median household income in Muncie is $43,395 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Muncie, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Muncie is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Muncie, IN affordable?
Yes, Muncie is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Muncie?
Muncie has average high temperatures of 63.0°F and average lows of 44.3°F. Annual precipitation is 40.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Muncie at a Glance
- Population
- 64,739
- Median Income
- $43,395
- Home Value
- $92,000
- Median Rent
- $867/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
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