Cost of Living in Austin, IN

With a cost of living index of 61, Austin, IN is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 39% cheaper than the national average and 17% below the Indiana state average of 78. Austin is a small community of 3,588 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Austin's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $698 (47% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $88,000 (71% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Austin is $30,473, which is 59% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.