Cost of living in South Bend, Indiana
St. Joseph County, IN
Part of the South Bend Metro Area
Population 272,574 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in South Bend
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in South Bend
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in South Bend
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in South Bend
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in South Bend
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 South Bend
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 South Bend
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for South Bend
What it costs to live in South Bend each month.
- Rent $936
- Energy $199
- Water $50
- Groceries $318
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $458
- State tax $97
- Rent $1,095
- Energy $239
- Water $60
- Groceries $527
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $732
- State tax $165
- Rent $1,350
- Energy $298
- Water $70
- Groceries $800
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $732
- State tax $165
Frequently asked questions about South Bend
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in South Bend?
In South Bend, Indiana, a one-bedroom apartment averages $936 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,095 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,350 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in South Bend?
In South Bend, Indiana, the average household income is $64,885 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $38,082 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in South Bend?
The estimated cost of living in South Bend, Indiana is approximately $2,858 per month for a single person, $4,102 for a couple, $6,485 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in South Bend?
The combined sales tax rate in South Bend, Indiana is 7.00%, which includes the Indiana state rate of 7.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.
Is South Bend an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in South Bend, Indiana would need approximately $2,858 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $64,885 per year ($5,407 per month). South Bend has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in South Bend?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in South Bend, Indiana is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 7.3% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in South Bend?
The average home value in South Bend, Indiana is $179,800, with average annual property taxes of $1,559, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does South Bend compare to other areas?
You can compare South Bend, Indiana with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. South Bend is in the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI metro area.
Other counties in Indiana
Browse the full list of counties in Indiana, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in IndianaCompare South Bend with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
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