Bedford, IN vs Portage, IN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Bedford is 21.6% cheaper than Portage. With a cost index of 69 vs 88, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Bedford to Portage should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bedford is $819/month compared to $1,138/month in Portage — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bedford is more affordable at $136,900 median vs $210,800.

Median household income in Bedford is $50,253 compared to $72,833 in Portage (-31%). While Portage is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bedford spend roughly 19.6% of their income on rent, more than the 18.7% in Portage.