East Chicago, IN vs Peru, IN

Peru is moderately more affordable than East Chicago, with a 8.8% lower cost of living index. East Chicago scores 68 compared to 63 for Peru, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of East Chicago can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in East Chicago is $820/month compared to $769/month in Peru — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Peru is more affordable at $84,000 median vs $92,400.

Median household income in East Chicago is $41,071 compared to $46,180 in Peru (-11.1%). Peru offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of East Chicago spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, more than the 20% in Peru.