Cost of Living in Valparaiso, IN
Population 34,377 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Valparaiso's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $67,664 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Located 40 miles southeast of Chicago, Valparaiso falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Valparaiso
The median home value in Valparaiso is $250,500 — 18% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,142/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,664/year is 9% 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, Valparaiso has a cost of living index of 84 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 16% 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 Valparaiso, IN?
Valparaiso has a cost index of 84 (100 = national average). It is 16% below the national average.
What is average rent in Valparaiso, IN?
The median gross rent in Valparaiso is $1,142 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Valparaiso?
The median home value in Valparaiso is $250,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Valparaiso?
The median household income in Valparaiso is $67,664 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Valparaiso, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Valparaiso is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Valparaiso, IN affordable?
Yes, Valparaiso is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 84 — about 16% below the US national average of 100.
Valparaiso at a Glance
- Population
- 34,377
- Median Income
- $67,664
- Home Value
- $250,500
- Median Rent
- $1,142/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs