Chicago, IL 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 | Chicago | South Bend | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 98 | 63 | South Bend |
| Housing | 91 ($966) | 36 ($700) | South Bend |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | South Bend |
| Food & groceries | 101 ($414) | 70 ($287) | South Bend |
| Utilities | 96 ($164) | 68 ($65) | South Bend |
| Healthcare | 96 ($118) | 68 ($47) | South Bend |
| Median annual wage | 107 ($51,960) | 99 ($47,860) | South Bend |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or South Bend, IN cheaper to live in?
South Bend, IN is cheaper overall by about 35 index points (Chicago, IL: 98, South Bend, IN: 63; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chicago, IL vs South Bend, IN?
A single adult needs roughly $34,300/year in Chicago, IL and $22,050/year in South Bend, IN to cover basic living costs.