Bluffton, IN vs East Chicago, IN

Bluffton, IN and East Chicago, IN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.4% difference in their overall index. Bluffton scores 67 while East Chicago scores 68 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bluffton is $816/month compared to $820/month in East Chicago — a 1% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Bluffton has cheaper rent, East Chicago actually has lower median home values ($92,400 vs $136,800).

Median household income in Bluffton is $57,929 compared to $41,071 in East Chicago (+41%). Bluffton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bluffton spend roughly 16.9% of their income on rent, less than the 24% in East Chicago.