Cost of Living in Wabash, IN
Population 10,378 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Wabash sits on the smaller end of the Indiana city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Geographically, Wabash is about 40 miles southwest of Fort Wayne, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 32% lower than Fort Wayne's $170,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wabash
The median home value in Wabash is $115,000 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $677/month, 48% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,199/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, 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, Wabash has a cost of living index of 43 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% 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 Wabash, IN?
Wabash has a cost index of 43 (100 = national average). It is 57% below the national average.
What is average rent in Wabash, IN?
The median gross rent in Wabash is $677 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wabash?
The median home value in Wabash is $115,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Wabash?
The median household income in Wabash is $54,199 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wabash, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wabash is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Wabash, IN affordable?
Yes, Wabash is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 43 — about 57% below the US national average of 100.
Wabash at a Glance
- Population
- 10,378
- Median Income
- $54,199
- Home Value
- $115,000
- Median Rent
- $677/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.1%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
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