7 Most Affordable Places to Live in Indiana

The nineteenth largest state in the United States, Indiana, is located in the Midwestern region of the country. Named after the Native American tribe that once inhabited the area, Indiana means “Land of the Indians.” The state’s capital is Indianapolis, which is also its largest city. Although Indiana is largely rural, it is home to several large cities, including Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. Indiana has a diverse economy with a strong focus on manufacturing. The state is also a leader in agriculture, producing corn, soybeans, and hogs. In recent years, Indiana has become known for its thriving tech industry. Indianapolis is home to a growing number of tech startups, and the city was recently named one of the best places in the country for tech workers. Indiana offers something for everyone with its mix of urban and rural areas. If you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Indiana, a few cities stand out. Let’s look at the following affordable places to live in Indiana:

CALCULATE MY MOVE

1. Columbus

Nestled in the heart of Indiana, Columbus is a small city with a lot to offer. With a population of just over 44,000, it is the seat of Bartholomew County and home to a thriving economy. The city is also known for its rich architectural heritage, with over 60 buildings designed by renowned architects such as Eero Saarinen and I.M. Pei. In addition to its architectural treasures, Columbus is also home to several parks and recreational facilities, making it a great place to live and work. Whether you’re looking for a place to call home or just looking to explore, Columbus is worth a visit.

• Median House Price: $166,200
• Median Rent: $951
• Population: 48,150
• Cost of Living in Columbus annually: $34,777

Famous Spots!

• Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor: Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor for a good bowl of handcrafted Ice Creams or Popcorn Mania for in-numerous flavors of popcorn
• The Commons-a2-block plaza: The Commons- is a 2-block plaza in the center of the city with top restaurants, public art, and live music.
• Exhibit Columbus: Exhibit Columbus is an outdoor museum that tells the story of art, architecture, and design in Columbus, Indiana.
• Beer Brewing Companies: Visit beer brewing companies like Zwanzigz Production Brewing, 450 North Brewing Company, or Hog Molly Brewing Company to taste the fine handcrafted beers made in the city!

Top Employers in Columbus:

• Cummins Inc.
• Columbus Regional Health
• Elwood Staffing
• Enkei America

2. Mishawaka

Mishawaka is a city in Indiana with a population of just over 48,000. The city is located in St. Joseph County and is considered part of the South Bend metropolitan area. Mishawaka is home to several parks and recreation areas and several historical sites. The city’s school system includes 11 elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school. Mishawaka is also known for its Notre Dame Fighting Irish fans – the city is located just four miles from the University of Notre Dame. In recent years, Mishawaka has been working to revitalize its downtown area. A number of new businesses have opened, and a new event center is currently under construction. These efforts aim to make Mishawaka an even more vibrant and thriving community.

• Median House Price: $166,200
• Median Rent: $951
• Population: 48,150
• Cost of Living in Mishawaka annually: $31,647

Famous Spots!

• Central Park: Take your kids to Central Park for a fun time on the splash pad and other water activities.
• Shiojiri Niwa: Spend a day in this park with your family or friends and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Battell Park: This is the perfect place for a romantic evening stroll or a family picnic, or to see historic buildings in the park.
• Mishawaka Amphitheatre: This is the perfect spot to catch your favorite bands for all the live music lovers!

Top Employers in Mishawaka

• Franciscan Health
• Schurz Communications
• Bravogrand
• Saint Joseph Health System
• NylonCraft

3. Kokomo

Kokomo is a city in Indiana with a population of just over 56,000. The city is located in Howard County and is considered part of the Kokomo metropolitan area. Kokomo is home to several parks and recreation areas and several historical sites. The city’s school system includes 12 elementary schools, three middle schools, and one high school. Kokomo is also known for its Indiana University Kokomo Cougars – the city is home to its campus. The city has a long history of manufacturing, especially auto manufacturing. Today, Kokomo is a vibrant community that offers residents and visitors a wide range of activities and attractions.

• Median House Price: $89,100
• Median Rent: $695
• Population: 58,145
• Cost of Living Kokomo annually: $31,207

Famous Spots!

• Seiberling Mansion: Take a tour of this beautiful historic mansion and learn about the city’s rich history.
• Elwood Hayes Park: This is the perfect place for a romantic evening stroll or a family picnic.
• Kokomo Municipal Stadium: This is the perfect spot to catch a game or a concert for all the sports fans.
• Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center: This is the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day with family on the weekend or during the summer holidays.

Top Employers in Kokomo

• Community Howard Regional Health
• Chrysler Group LLC
• Bona Vista Programs Inc. (Human Services)
• TATA Consultancy Services
• Target

CALCULATE MY MOVE

4. South Bend

South Bend is a city in northern Indiana, US, on the St. Joseph River. It is the fourth largest city in Indiana and has over 102,000 people. The city is the county seat of St. Joseph County. It is home to many notable businesses and organizations, including the University of Notre Dame, South Bend Chocolate Company, and Honeywell. South Bend is also a major stop on the Amtrak train line between Chicago and Detroit. The city has a strong manufacturing base and is known for producing auto parts, electric motors, and other products. Despite its large size, South Bend has a small-town feel and is a great place to live. There are plenty of things to do in the city, and it is a great place to raise a family. If you are looking for a place to call home, South Bend should be at the top of your list.

• Median House Price: $85,200
• Media$n Rent: $789
• Population: 102,037
• Cost of Living in South Bend annually: $32,867 

Famous Spots!

• Site Museum of Art: This museum is home to a collection of historic, classic, and modern art worldwide.
• Basilica of the Sacred Heart: A neo-Gothic campus church that is a must-visit if you are a fan of the centuries-old style of architecture and is a part of the Notre Dame University.
• Warren Dunes State Park: A perfect place for a family outing, this state park has beaches, hiking trails, and dune formations.
• Studebaker National Museum: If you love cars, this is the place to be! The museum has a collection of classic and antique cars.

Top Employers in South Bend

• Air Wisconsin Airlines LLC
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Beacon Medical Group, Inc
• AM General, LLC
• Press Ganey Associates Inc.

Also See: Moving to Indiana

5. Muncie

Muncie is a city in Indiana, United States. It is the main city of the Muncie metropolitan statistical area, having a population of 68,750. The area was first settled by the Delaware Indians, who had long inhabited the area. Muncie was founded in 1827 and officially incorporated as a city in 1865. The city’s name comes from the Delaware Indian word for “great trail.” Today, Muncie is a thriving city with a diverse economy. The city is home to several colleges and universities, including Ball State University and Ivy Tech Community College. The city’s manufacturing sector is also strong, with GE Aviation and Cummins Engine Company having plants in the area. In addition, the city’s downtown district has been revitalized in recent years, with new restaurants and shops opening up. As a result, Muncie is an exciting place to live and work.

• Median House Price: $73,500
• Median Rent: $722
• Population: 68,750
• Cost of Living in Muncie annually: $31,642

Famous Spots!

• Minnetrista Cultural Center: This center is home to a museum, gardens, and several educational programs.
• Prairie Creek Reservoir: This is the perfect spot for a day of fishing, hiking, or picnicking.
• Cardinal Greenway: This is a great place to walk or go for a bike ride.
• Tonne Winery: This winery offers a variety of wines and a beautiful setting for tastings and events.
• Muncie Children’s Museum: This museum is perfect for a day of family fun.

Top Employers in Muncie

• Yorktown Community Schools
• Ball State University
• IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital
• Muncie Community Schools
• Navient

6. Evansville

Evansville is a city in southwestern Indiana and the county seat of Vanderburgh County. The city is situated on an oxbow in the Ohio River and is often referred to as “River City.” The city has a long history dating back to its founding in 1812, and it has been a regional center for commerce and culture since the 19th century. Today, Evansville is home to many businesses and attractions, including the University of Evansville, Mesker Zoo, and Casino Aztar. Visitors to Evansville can enjoy the city’s many parks and museums and its lively nightlife and dining scene. With its friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere, Evansville is an ideal destination for business and leisure travelers. Whether you’re looking for history or excitement, Evansville has something to offer everyone.

• Median House Price: $94,200
• Median Rent: $774
• Population: 118,558
• Cost of Living in Evansville annually: $31,990

Famous Spots!

• Children’s Museum of Evansville:  The Children’s Museum of Evansville is a hands-on museum that offers educational and fun exhibits for children of all ages.
• Mesker Zoo: This zoo is home to various animals and several educational programs.
• Casino Aztar: This casino offers a variety of gaming options and live entertainment.
• Willard Library: This library is the perfect place to spend a day exploring its many books and resources.

Top Employers in Evansville

• Deaconess Health System
• Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation
• Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center
• Atlas World Group
• University of Evansville

CALCULATE MY MOVE

7. Fort Wayne

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Fort Wayne is the second-largest city in Indiana and the cultural and economic hub of northeastern Indiana. The city is home to a diverse population of more than 260,000 people, making it a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Fort Wayne is also a great place to visit, thanks to its many attractions and features. The city is home to a number of museums, art galleries, theaters, and a variety of parks and recreational facilities. In addition, Fort Wayne is home to several professional and collegiate sports teams, making it a great destination for sports fans. Fort Wayne is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family, thanks to its many features and attractions.

• Median House Price: $115,100
• Median Rent: $764
• Population: 265,000
• Cost of Living in Fort Wayne annually: $30,934

Famous Spots!

• Castle Gallery: Castle Gallery is a local art gallery that features a variety of works by Indiana artists.
• Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo: The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun.
• Fort Wayne Museum of Art: This museum is home to various artworks and educational programs and events.

Top Employers in Fort Wayne

• Fort Wayne Community Schools
• Parkview Health
• Lutheran Health Network
• Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne
• General Motors

Conclusion

There are several affordable places to live in Indiana. Evansville, Fort Wayne, and South Bend are just a few of the many places in Indiana that offer affordable housing options. Each place has its specialty, making it an attractive option for those looking for affordable living. When considering an affordable place to live in Indiana, consider the cost of living in each city and the amenities and features that each city has to offer. 

See Also: Top Moving Companies In Indiana | Indiana DMV Change of Address

FAQs

What is the most affordable place to live in Indiana?

There are several affordable places to live in Indiana, including Evansville, Fort Wayne, and South Bend. 

What is the cost of living index in Indiana?

The cost of living in Indiana varies depending on the city you choose to live in. However, the overall cost of living index in this state is 82.1 

What are the top employers in Indiana?

Some of the top employers in Indiana include the Deaconess Health System, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center, Atlas World Group, and the University of Evansville. 

What are some of the famous spots in Indiana?

Some of the famous spots in Indiana include the Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the Indianapolis Zoo. 

Is Indiana a good place to raise a family?

Indiana is a great place to raise a family. The state offers affordable housing, good schools, and a variety of recreational activities. 

Is Indiana a good place to retire?

Indiana is a great place to retire. The state offers affordable housing, good schools, and a variety of recreational activities. 

What is the climate like in Indiana?

The climate in Indiana varies depending on the region of the state. However, overall, the climate is humid continental with hot summers and cold winters. 

What is the population of Indiana?

The population of Indiana is over 6.6 million.

Also read: Top Cheap Movers in the USA