Merrillville, IN vs New Haven, IN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. New Haven is 25.9% cheaper than Merrillville. With a cost index of 73 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from New Haven to Merrillville should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Merrillville is $1,304/month compared to $947/month in New Haven — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: New Haven is more affordable at $151,200 median vs $194,000.

Median household income in Merrillville is $64,791 compared to $67,121 in New Haven (-3.5%). New Haven offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Merrillville spend roughly 24.2% of their income on rent, more than the 16.9% in New Haven.