Carmel, IN vs South Bend, IN: Cost of Living Comparison
South Bend has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Carmel | South Bend | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 130 | 63 | South Bend |
| Housing | 131 ($1,125) | 36 ($700) | South Bend |
| Transportation | 98 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Carmel |
| Food & groceries | 180 ($738) | 70 ($287) | South Bend |
| Utilities | 116 ($236) | 68 ($65) | South Bend |
| Healthcare | 116 ($170) | 68 ($47) | South Bend |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($47,860) | 99 ($47,860) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carmel, IN or South Bend, IN cheaper to live in?
South Bend, IN is cheaper overall by about 67 index points (Carmel, IN: 130, South Bend, IN: 63; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Carmel, IN vs South Bend, IN?
A single adult needs roughly $45,500/year in Carmel, IN and $22,050/year in South Bend, IN to cover basic living costs.