B
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
6%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Chesterton Indiana National
Cost of living10590100
Goods & Services10794100
Groceries10498100
Health care10896100
Housing10672100
Transportation10795100
Utilities89107100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Chesterton, IN

The cost of living in Chesterton affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Chesterton is 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Chesterton is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Chesterton Affordable?

Wondering if Chesterton is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Chesterton, for example, the median home price is 7.7% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 2.5% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Chesterton boasting a median household income of $76,427, which is 38.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Chesterton?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Chesterton, the housing index is 6.2% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Chesterton, the utilities index stands at 10.8% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Chesterton, healthcare costs are 7.7% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Chesterton, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Chesterton is 17% higher than the Indiana average
  • The cost of living in Chesterton is 5% higher than the national average
  • Chesterton housing is 6% higher than the national average
  • Indiana general sales tax is 37% higher than the national average
  • Indiana state income tax is 21% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Chesterton

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Compare Chesterton, IN Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$99,385$8,282$2,319$2,982
      Renters$48,911$4,076$1,141$1,467
      The affordability of the housing market in Chesterton, IN as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Chesterton homeowners, the median income is $99,385. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,319 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $48,911. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,141 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Indiana Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Indiana 7% 7%

      Indiana Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Indiana 3.15% 3.15%

      Goods & Services

      Item Chesterton National avg. Difference
      Haircut $33.69$24.2638.9%
      Beauty Salon $53.44$45.5617.3%
      Toothpaste $3.75$3.701.4%
      Shampoo $1.27$1.281.1%
      Movie $17.91$12.1347.6%
      Bowling $24.58$18.0036.6%

      Groceries

      Item Chesterton National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.28$5.849.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.42$1.579.7%
      Milk $4.87$4.674.3%
      Potatoes $4.90$4.930.7%
      Pizza $13.41$12.0910.9%
      Beer $10.00$10.414.0%

      Health Care

      Item Chesterton National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $118.27$125.685.9%
      Doctor $167.67$135.7823.5%
      Dentist $128.22$113.2913.2%
      Ibuprofen $10.97$10.652.9%
      Lipitor $382.34$468.6018.4%

      Housing

      Item Chesterton National avg. Difference
      Home Price $199,000.00$184,700.007.7%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,578.06$2,346.699.9%
      Apartment Rent $973.00$949.002.5%

      Transportation

      Item Chesterton National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.56$3.462.7%
      Tire Balancing $70.87$59.9218.3%

      Utilities

      Item Chesterton National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $148.58$193.9923.4%
      Phone $210.03$192.259.3%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wheeler, IN2291043.9%
      Gary, IN75,4868812.0%
      Michigan City, IN31,1918217.9%
      Hanna, IN1988217.5%
      Lake Station, IN11,952918.6%
      Chesterton, IN13,8841054.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Collingswood, NJ13,88211414.0%
      Brandermill, VA13,88711414.0%
      Moorestown-Lenola, NJ13,87913333.2%
      Riverhead, NY13,87913131.5%
      Lacombe, AB13,889n/a 
      Chesterton, IN13,8841054.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.