East Chicago, IN vs Terre Haute, IN

East Chicago, IN and Terre Haute, IN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.8% difference in their overall index. East Chicago scores 68 while Terre Haute scores 66 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 East Chicago is $820/month compared to $877/month in Terre Haute — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: East Chicago is more affordable at $92,400 median vs $109,500.

Median household income in East Chicago is $41,071 compared to $41,960 in Terre Haute (-2.1%). Terre Haute 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, less than the 25.1% in Terre Haute.