New Chicago, IN vs West Lebanon, IN

The cost of living difference between New Chicago, IN and West Lebanon, IN is dramatic. West Lebanon is 34.1% cheaper than New Chicago, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. New Chicago has a cost index of 79 while West Lebanon sits at 59, 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 New Chicago is $1,090/month compared to $578/month in West Lebanon — a 89% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: West Lebanon is more affordable at $111,500 median vs $118,900.

Median household income in New Chicago is $54,700 compared to $68,594 in West Lebanon (-20.3%). West Lebanon offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of New Chicago spend roughly 23.9% of their income on rent, more than the 10.1% in West Lebanon.