Cost of Living in Rensselaer, IN
Population 5,369 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rensselaer is a smaller Indiana community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $61,648 and housing costs ($149,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Located 65 miles southeast of Joliet, Rensselaer is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 40% lower than Joliet's $249,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rensselaer
The median home value in Rensselaer is $149,100 — 51% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $868/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,648/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, 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, Rensselaer has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% less expensive.
Rensselaer has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rensselaer, IN?
Rensselaer has a cost index of 56 (100 = national average). It is 44% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rensselaer, IN?
The median gross rent in Rensselaer is $868 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rensselaer?
The median home value in Rensselaer is $149,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rensselaer?
The median household income in Rensselaer is $61,648 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rensselaer, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rensselaer is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Rensselaer, IN affordable?
Yes, Rensselaer is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 56 — about 44% below the US national average of 100.
Rensselaer at a Glance
- Population
- 5,369
- Median Income
- $61,648
- Home Value
- $149,100
- Median Rent
- $868/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
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