salarySouth Bend is the 4th-largest city in Indiana that we track, with 103,085 residents. Rent is lower than in 70% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $51,360 a year. That is $25 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Indiana cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Indiana. It is number 78 of 132 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in South Bend?
Share of households by yearly income. 14.7% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in South Bend
| Size | South Bend | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $848 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $900 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,145 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,278 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,523 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is South Bend overall?
Everyday prices in the South Bend-Mishawaka metro area are 7% below the U.S. average (index 92.9, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in South Bend
Life in South Bend
What jobs pay in South Bend
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $144,030 | 10.7% |
| Physician Assistant | $129,620 | 11.9% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $126,220 | 12.2% |
| Operations Manager | $104,500 | 14.7% |
| Lawyer | $103,050 | 15.0% |
| Civil Engineer | $96,180 | 16.0% |
| Software Developer | $95,500 | 16.1% |
| Registered Nurse | $93,540 | 16.5% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $90,860 | 17.0% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,650 | 18.6% |
| Accountant | $77,940 | 19.8% |
| Police Officer | $77,070 | 20.0% |
| Plumber | $74,190 | 20.8% |
| Electrician | $74,150 | 20.8% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $65,240 | 23.6% |
| Market Research Analyst | $64,000 | 24.1% |
| Carpenter | $61,690 | 25.0% |
| HVAC Technician | $59,460 | 25.9% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $58,180 | 26.5% |
| Truck Driver | $56,820 | 27.1% |
| Firefighter | $56,450 | 27.3% |
| Medical Assistant | $44,600 | 34.5% |
| Customer Service Representative | $40,420 | 38.1% |
| Warehouse Worker | $38,830 | 39.7% |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,550 | 40.0% |
| Restaurant Cook | $34,650 | 44.5% |
| Retail Salesperson | $30,930 | 49.8% |
| Cashier | $28,970 | 53.2% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $28,740 | 53.6% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in South Bend?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $310 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $140,400 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $14,040 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in South Bend, IN?
Renting in South Bend costs a median of about $1,284 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Indiana median is $1,219.
How much do I need to make to live in South Bend?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $51,360 a year, or $25 an hour at a full-time job.
Is South Bend cheap or expensive?
South Bend is rated OK: rent takes 25.6% of the typical household income of $60,165. It ranks 78th cheapest of 132 Indiana cities we track.
How much are property taxes in South Bend?
The median homeowner in South Bend pays $1,332 a year in property taxes, about 0.95% of the median home value.
Is South Bend more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 7% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in South Bend?
The median home value in South Bend is $140,400, about 2.3 times the typical yearly household income.
103,085 people live in South Bend. Numbers are typical (middle) values.