Direct Answer
Terre Haute, IN has a CostOfCity index of 78, which is 22% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $922/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,139/month.
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Cost of Living in Terre Haute: The Full Picture
Whether you're a longtime Terre Haute resident or considering this midwestern smaller city for a potential move, understanding local costs is essential. The city's economy — a community where local business owners price for neighbors, not tourists — and it shows in every quote you get — creates a pricing environment that national data can't capture. Lake-effect snow and ice create plumbing emergencies that don't happen in warmer markets. Here's what the numbers look like across 62 categories.
Terre Haute Cost Index by Category
Each bar shows how the Terre Haute cost index for that category compares to the US national baseline of 100.
Terre Haute has an economy running on agricultural processing, regional healthcare, and a quiet but growing remote-work population
The housing market features a buyer-friendly market where your down payment goes further than in most US cities
Lake-effect snow and ice create plumbing emergencies that don't happen in warmer markets. Budget accordingly.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Craft beer, farmers markets, and an increasingly diverse food scene that doesn't require a second mortgage to enjoy..
Terre Haute is a standout value market. With costs sitting 22% below average, it's one of the most budget-friendly metros we track. Quality of life per dollar spent here is hard to beat.
💰 Purchasing Power in Terre Haute
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Terre Haute, your dollar buys 28% more than the national average.
🔽 Where Terre Haute Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Terre Haute
What it actually costs to live in Terre Haute each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Terre Haute's cost index of 78 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Within Terre Haute, costs can vary by 25-40% depending on the neighborhood. Downtown and waterfront areas typically command the highest premiums, while suburbs provide genuine savings, often 15-20% below the metro average.
Terre Haute vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Terre Haute
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-31%HVAC Installation
-15%Plumbing Services
-45%Electrical Work
-17%Kitchen Remodel
-41%Bathroom Remodel
-45%House Painting
-18%Flooring Installation
-16%Landscaping
-34%Fence Installation
-28%Window Replacement
-26%Solar Panel Installation
-19%Water Heater Replacement
-14%Deck Building
-45%Pool Installation
-28%Tree Removal
-17%Garage Door Repair
-22%💼 Business Startup Costs in Terre Haute
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-18%Start a Coffee Shop
-11%Start a Food Truck
-3%Start a Gym
-5%Start a Daycare
-29%Start a Hair Salon
-15%Start a Laundromat
-28%Start a Bakery
-9%Start a Bar
-24%Start a Cleaning Business
-26%Start an Airbnb
-45%Start a Trucking Business
-1%📊 Cost of Living in Terre Haute
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-22%Rent Prices
-35%Grocery Costs
-32%Utility Costs
-4%Transportation Costs
-24%Childcare Costs
-34%Gym Membership
-3%🛡️ Insurance in Terre Haute
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-21%Home Insurance
-14%Health Insurance
-13%Business Insurance
-10%Life Insurance
-34%Renters Insurance
-32%Pet Insurance
-15%Dental Insurance
-34%Motorcycle Insurance
-15%⚖️ Legal Services in Terre Haute
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
0%Divorce Lawyer
-22%DUI Lawyer
-13%Immigration Lawyer
-30%Estate Planning Lawyer
-42%Workers Comp Lawyer
-8%Bankruptcy Lawyer
-28%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Terre Haute
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
-25%Registered Nurse Salary
-23%Teacher Salary
-21%Electrician Salary
-43%Plumber Salary
-11%Accountant Salary
-23%Physical Therapist Salary
-38%Police Officer Salary
-19%Dentist Salary
0%Real Estate Agent Salary
-16%How Much Income Do You Need in Terre Haute?
✅ Best For
- First-time business owners
- Retirees on fixed incomes
- Remote workers keeping coastal salaries
- Anyone building an emergency fund
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Workers in highly specialized tech roles
- Those seeking dense urban amenities
Before moving to Terre Haute, compare your target salary against local costs using our calculator. You may be pleasantly surprised by how far your income goes.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Terre Haute
How does Terre Haute compare to other cities in IN?
Within Indiana, Terre Haute has a cost index of 78. Nearby options include Bloomington and Champaign, which offer useful comparison points.
Is Terre Haute, IN expensive to live in?
Terre Haute's cost of living index is 78, which is 22% below the national average of 100. Terre Haute is one of the more affordable US cities.
What is the median household income in Terre Haute?
The median household income in Terre Haute is approximately $32,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 78), this goes further than in many US cities.
Explore Terre Haute in Depth
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Compare Terre Haute Costs Nationally
See how Terre Haute ranks on major household and life expenses against 300+ US cities — cheapest to most expensive.
Popular Terre Haute cost & affordability searches
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