Cost of Living in Portage, IN
Population 37,951 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Portage offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $211,000 — costs less than 2.9 times median household income of $72,833, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. At 7.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 30 miles southeast of Chicago, Portage falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Portage
The median home value in Portage is $210,800 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,138/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,833/year is 2% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, 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, Portage has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% 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 Portage, IN?
Portage has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Portage, IN?
The median gross rent in Portage is $1,138 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Portage?
The median home value in Portage is $210,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Portage?
The median household income in Portage is $72,833 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Portage, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Portage is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Portage, IN affordable?
Yes, Portage is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
Portage at a Glance
- Population
- 37,951
- Median Income
- $72,833
- Home Value
- $210,800
- Median Rent
- $1,138/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.3%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
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