East Chicago, IN vs Lowell, IN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. East Chicago is 26% cheaper than Lowell. With a cost index of 68 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from East Chicago to Lowell should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in East Chicago is $820/month compared to $1,222/month in Lowell — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: East Chicago is more affordable at $92,400 median vs $236,900.

Median household income in East Chicago is $41,071 compared to $83,125 in Lowell (-50.6%). While Lowell is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of East Chicago spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, more than the 17.6% in Lowell.