Cost of living in Howard County, IN
Population 83,610 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Howard County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Howard County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Howard County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Howard County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Howard County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Howard County
State and local tax rates for Indiana.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Howard County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Howard County
What it costs to live in Howard County each month.
- Rent $812
- Energy $199
- Water $50
- Groceries $318
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $456
- State tax $96
- Rent $1,019
- Energy $239
- Water $60
- Groceries $527
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $693
- State tax $159
- Rent $1,283
- Energy $298
- Water $70
- Groceries $800
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $693
- State tax $159
Frequently asked questions about Howard County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Howard County?
In Howard County, IN, a one-bedroom apartment averages $812 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,019 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,283 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Howard County?
In Howard County, IN, the average household income is $62,496 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $37,917 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Howard County?
The estimated cost of living in Howard County, IN is approximately $2,731 per month for a single person, $3,981 for a couple, $6,373 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Howard County?
The combined sales tax rate in Howard County, IN is 7.00%, which includes the Indiana state rate of 7.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.
Is Howard County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Howard County, IN would need approximately $2,731 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $62,496 per year ($5,208 per month). Howard County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Howard County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Howard County, IN is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 6.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Howard County?
The average home value in Howard County, IN is $151,500, with average annual property taxes of $1,110, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Howard County compare to other areas?
You can compare Howard County, IN with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Howard County is in the Kokomo, IN metro area.
Other counties in Indiana
Browse the full list of counties in Indiana, ranked by cost of living.
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP