Cost of Living in East Chicago, IN - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $932 (excluding rent), and $2,535 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,351 (excluding rent), and $5,008 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.3 $19.3

$12.19 $12.19

$35.8 $35.8

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$73.9 $73.9

$49.26 $49.26

$123 $123

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.87 $10.87

$9.84 $9.84

$13.84 $13.84

Cappuccino

$5.03 $5.03

$3.46 $3.46

$7.91 $7.91

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.59 $2.59

$2.04 $2.04

$4.07 $4.07

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.98 $1.98

$1.48 $1.48

$2.97 $2.97

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.84 $5.84

$3.89 $3.89

$8.28 $8.28

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.83 $6.83

$4.88 $4.88

$9.75 $9.75

Milk (1 liter)

$1.03 $1.03

$0.77 $0.77

$1.47 $1.47

White Bread (500g)

$3.45 $3.45

$2.11 $2.11

$5.42 $5.42

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.46 $4.46

$2.14 $2.14

$8.81 $8.81

Eggs

$4.22 $4.22

$2.01 $2.01

$7.03 $7.03

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.35 $12.35

$7.05 $7.05

$22.21 $22.21

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.6 $11.6

$6.19 $6.19

$20.02 $20.02

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.47 $15.47

$9.94 $9.94

$24.31 $24.31

Apples (1kg)

$5 $5

$2.61 $2.61

$8.98 $8.98

Banana (1kg)

$1.55 $1.55

$1.07 $1.07

$4.05 $4.05

Oranges (1kg)

$4.28 $4.28

$2.22 $2.22

$8.89 $8.89

Tomato (1kg)

$4.79 $4.79

$2.23 $2.23

$8.93 $8.93

Potato (1kg)

$2.88 $2.88

$1.34 $1.34

$6.23 $6.23

Onion (1kg)

$2.76 $2.76

$1.78 $1.78

$4.29 $4.29

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.08 $2.08

$1.4 $1.4

$3.02 $3.02

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.11 $2.11

$1.18 $1.18

$3.2 $3.2

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.5 $9.5

$7.93 $7.93

$11.89 $11.89

Wine (Bottle)

$13.54 $13.54

$8.51 $8.51

$20.79 $20.79

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.84 $1.84

$1.76 $1.76

$2.91 $2.91

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.41 $3.41

$1.62 $1.62

$6.09 $6.09

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.94 $1.94

$1.21 $1.21

$1.94 $1.94

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.45 $3.45

$2.96 $2.96

$4.93 $4.93

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.64 $1.64

$1.57 $1.57

$2.2 $2.2

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.42 $29.42

$26.61 $26.61

$35.28 $35.28

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.83 $0.83

$0.74 $0.74

$0.97 $0.97

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.3K $29.3K

$23.4K $23.4K

$35.6K $35.6K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.4K $25.4K

$24.7K $24.7K

$26.7K $26.7K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$186 $186

$119 $119

$341 $341

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$52.2 $52.2

$29.63 $29.63

$98.8 $98.8

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$67.1 $67.1

$49.48 $49.48

$99 $99

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.55 $43.55

$17.73 $17.73

$50.6 $50.6

Cinema Ticket

$13.26 $13.26

$10.81 $10.81

$17.68 $17.68

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,299 $1,299

$1,001 $1,001

$1,848 $1,848

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.5K $23.5K

$16.8K $16.8K

$27.3K $27.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.7 $50.7

$29.75 $29.75

$79.3 $79.3

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.89 $39.89

$24.93 $24.93

$64.8 $64.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$86.6 $86.6

$60 $60

$130 $130

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$112 $112

$63.8 $63.8

$200 $200

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,619 $1,619

$1,213 $1,213

$1,877 $1,877

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,347 $1,347

$995 $995

$1,493 $1,493

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,652 $2,652

$2,017 $2,017

$3,025 $3,025

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,264 $2,264

$1,732 $1,732

$2,547 $2,547

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,704 $2,704

$1,983 $1,983

$2,704 $2,704

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,734 $2,734

$2,234 $2,234

$2,734 $2,734

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,221 $4,221

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in East Chicago, IN - Frequently Asked Questions

East Chicago blends accessibility with affordability, and for many travelers, expats, and digital nomads it feels like a gateway to the Chicago region without paying big-city rents. The Cost of Living in East Chicago, IN, United States leans toward practical budgeting: modest housing options, affordable groceries, and reasonable utilities compared with major metros. You’ll notice a practical pace, lakefront access, and solid transport links to Chicago via regional rail and highways. Seasonal lodging demand can shift, so stay flexible and book in advance when events roll through. Tip: start with a couple of well-located neighborhoods near transit and outline a short-term stay before finalizing longer arrangements.

Daily life here is grounded and practical for remote workers and visitors. Housing search tends to favor mid-sized apartments or small houses in neighborhoods with access to parks and lakefront views, plus reasonable renter markets. Food options range from local markets to casual eateries that won't blow your budget, supporting varied meal planning. For transit, bus routes and rideshares cover the area, with quicker access into Chicago by car or rail on some routes. For coworking, look for libraries, community centers, or flexible spaces near your preferred neighborhood. East Chicago, IN, United States living cost is a helpful lens when you compare areas, especially if you balance rent with proximity to essentials. Tip: visit at different times of day to gauge traffic and vibe.

Quality of life here leans toward a balanced pace with access to Chicago's amenities while keeping everyday expenses moderate. Build a simple budgeting framework: track housing, utilities, groceries, transit, and occasional dining; adjust by season, as outdoor activities and lakefront events can shift demand. Neighborhood fit tends to hinge on proximity to transit, safety, and access to recreation. For savings, consider longer leases to lock in steadier rent and choose utilities-conscious plans, like energy-efficient appliances or shared spaces. Seasonality can influence rental availability and event calendars, so plan around summer outdoor markets or winter transit schedules. Tip: map a few neighborhoods by walkability and commute times to find your ideal fit.