Auburn, IN vs Portage, IN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Auburn is 19.3% cheaper than Portage. With a cost index of 71 vs 88, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Auburn to Portage should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Auburn is $831/month compared to $1,138/month in Portage — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Auburn is more affordable at $172,800 median vs $210,800.

Median household income in Auburn is $62,339 compared to $72,833 in Portage (-14.4%). The higher salaries in Portage partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Auburn spend roughly 16% of their income on rent, less than the 18.7% in Portage.