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Lowell, IN vs Michigan City, IN

92
Lowell
Indiana
VS
+30.9%
71
Michigan City
Indiana

The cost of living difference between Lowell, IN and Michigan City, IN is dramatic. Michigan City is 30.9% cheaper than Lowell, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Lowell has a cost index of 92 while Michigan City sits at 71, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Lowell is $1,222/month compared to $915/month in Michigan City — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Michigan City is more affordable at $129,000 median vs $236,900.

Median household income in Lowell is $83,125 compared to $52,979 in Michigan City (+56.9%). 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 Lowell spend roughly 17.6% of their income on rent, less than the 20.7% in Michigan City.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Lowell
92
Michigan City
71
24% cheaper
Median Household Income
Lowell
$83,125
36% higher
Michigan City
$52,979

Housing

Median Rent
Lowell
$1,222
Michigan City
$915
25% cheaper
Median Home Value
Lowell
$236,900
Michigan City
$129,000
46% cheaper
Population
Lowell
10,911
Michigan City
31,894

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Lowell $3.20
Michigan City $2.91
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Lowell $2.61
Michigan City $2.37
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Lowell $4.20
Michigan City $3.82
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Lowell $1.93
Michigan City $1.75
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Lowell $4.32
Michigan City $3.93
US $4.14
Electricity
Lowell $0.15
Michigan City $0.16
US $0.19