Evansville's 2026 cost of living is $2403 per month for singles and $5291 per month for families of four.
Living costs in Evansville are 3% lower than the U.S. national average and 68% lower than Indiana's state average.
This reflects a 1% increase from 2025.
The primary drivers of Evansville's cost of living are soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices.
See how Evansville's cost of living affects your budget or salary needs with Salary.com's free Cost of Living Calculator.
Cost of Living Calculator
How does Evansville's cost of living compare to the national average in 2026?
Living in Evansville is less expensive than the national average,
with housing costs 30.1 % lower at $839
per month for a single person and $1538 per month for a family of four.
Food expenses run 6.7 %
below average at $373
monthly for an individual and $1213 for a family,
while energy, transportation and healthcare costs are 6.5 % lower at about $818 per month
for one person and $1823 for a household.
These costs bring the total monthly expenses to $2030
for a single person and $4574 for a family of four,
making Evansville one of America's least expensive cities.
How does the cost of living compare when moving from other major cities to Evansville?
Evansville's 2025 cost of living is 95% lower than San Francisco,
47% less than Washington, 21% below Miami
, 16% lower than Chicago, 58% less than Boston
, and 80% below New York.
Essential for evaluating relocation costs and salary needs in Evansville.
Evansville is a city and the county seat of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, United States. The population was 117,429 at the 2010 census, making it the state's third-most populous city after Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, the largest city in Southern Indiana, and the 232nd-most populous city in the United States. It is the commercial, medical, and cultural hub of Southwestern Indiana and the Illinois-Indiana-Kentucky tri-state area, home to over 911,000 people. The 38th parallel crosses the north side of the city and is marked on Interstate 69.
Situated on an oxbow in the Ohio River, the city is of...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia
Comments about the cost of living in Evansville, IN
I love to be able to eat at restaurants and try different foods, if I include that along with groceries in my overall cost of living, how would I do in Evansville, IN?
In Evansville, Indiana going out to eat at a restaurant and buying food is considered to be affordable. Make sure you take this into account as you plan your overall cost of living in Evansville, IN. (2026-08-26salary.com)
Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Evansville, IN?
Evansville, IN does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. (2026-08-26salary.com)
I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?
The average cost of moving to another state is around $5,600 for a distance of 1,200 miles. This price can vary a lot if the distance is greater and depending on how much is being moved. Even if your employer is covering the cost of a move, there will still be costs that are not covered. A cost that typically occurs is that your existing furniture and accessories are either too large, too small, or not appropriate for your new home. You may find that after you move, you will need to purchase many new items for the new location, for example, window coverings, rugs, lighting, and outdoor gear. Make sure you budget for these types of expenses and include them in the first year’s cost of living at your new location. Finally, although there is no dollar cost, is the stress of moving, which will increase if you have children or pets. Make sure you prepare in advance for what additional TLC those kids and pets will need to have a good move. (2026-08-26salary.com)
Are there any tips that will help make the move to Evansville, Indiana easier for my child?
Adults find that moving can sometimes be an emotional and stressful experience. Children, who don’t have the maturity, independence, and understanding of a parent may be even more sensitive to a move. If they are old enough to understand, include the children in making plans for the move. When moving to a distant place, help your children learn about the new area. Check out the website for Evansville, Indiana to find opportunities and activities in the new location like parks, beaches, museums, or playgrounds that kids will enjoy and look forward to visiting. (2026-08-26salary.com)
I need to understand how to budget for energy, is the cost electricity going up or down in Evansville, Indiana?
The cost of electricity in Indiana has gone down by 0.248% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. (2026-08-26salary.com)
My kids are important, how much of my cost of living should I estimate I will need to spend on child care in Evansville, IN?
The estimated average annual cost for child care in Evansville, Indiana (based on state average), is $8918. This cost is ranked NO. 30 nationally. Some employers have company provided day care centers that let you bring your child to work with you and receive care on site. Some colleges and universities with Childhood Education programs also may have day care centers available at reduced costs, so you should explore those possibilities to see if you can reduce your child care expense. (2026-08-26salary.com)
What are rents like in Evansville,IN?
I am single and live in Evansville,IN, I rent a small 1 bedroom and the monthly rent is $660 . Rent contributes to a large part of the overall cost of living in Evansville,IN, I try to economize by having a small apartment. (2026-08-26salary.com)
What can you do for free in Evansville, IN?
Looks for areas of Evansville, Indiana where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Evansville, IN to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. (2026-08-26salary.com)
Does Evansville, Indiana have high income or sales taxes that will make the cost of living in Evansville higher?
The sales tax for Evansville is 7%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. (2026-08-26salary.com)
Can you save money using public transport?
You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. (2026-08-26salary.com)
Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?
In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family.
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What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?
The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison.
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The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly.
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Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
