Kokomo, IN vs South Bend, IN

Kokomo, IN and South Bend, IN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.1% difference in their overall index. Kokomo scores 70 while South Bend scores 73 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 Kokomo is $917/month compared to $1,000/month in South Bend — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Kokomo has cheaper rent, South Bend actually has lower median home values ($124,500 vs $126,500).

Median household income in Kokomo is $54,195 compared to $52,512 in South Bend (+3.2%). Kokomo offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Kokomo spend roughly 20.3% of their income on rent, less than the 22.9% in South Bend.