Cost of Living in South Bend, IN
Population 102,866 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The South Bend cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $125,000, rents near $1,000 a month. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Bend
The median home value in South Bend is $124,500 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,000/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,512/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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 58.7°F and lows of 39.9°F, with about 64.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, South Bend 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 31 | 35 | 46 | 59 | 70 | 79 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 62 | 48 | 36 |
| Low °F | 17 | 19 | 27 | 37 | 48 | 58 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 42 | 32 | 23 |
| Precip" | 2.66 | 2.31 | 2.35 | 3.49 | 4.20 | 4.04 | 3.78 | 4.01 | 3.49 | 3.72 | 2.78 | 2.40 |
| Snow" | 21.6 | 16.1 | 6.8 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 5.1 | 13.7 |
💨 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 South Bend, IN?
South Bend has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.
What is average rent in South Bend, IN?
The median gross rent in South Bend is $1,000 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Bend?
The median home value in South Bend is $124,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South Bend?
The median household income in South Bend is $52,512 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Bend, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Bend is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is South Bend, IN affordable?
Yes, South Bend is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in South Bend?
South Bend has average high temperatures of 58.7°F and average lows of 39.9°F. Annual precipitation is 39.2". Average annual snowfall is 64.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
South Bend at a Glance
- Population
- 102,866
- Median Income
- $52,512
- Home Value
- $124,500
- Median Rent
- $1,000/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Indiana Rankings
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