Cost of Living: Berkeley, CA vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Berkeley

California
251
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Berkeley is 340% more expensive than Evansville.

$2,127/mo ↑ 124%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 55%
$108,558/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 52%
$1,351,100 ↑ 947%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 90%
$2,340/mo ↑ 155%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 61%
120,223
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Berkeley, CA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 251 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,178/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $14,136/year.

Median household income is $56,307/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Berkeley is $1,351,100 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Berkeley vs Evansville — common questions

Is Berkeley or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Berkeley and Evansville?
Median rent in Berkeley is $2,127/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $1,178/month.
Which city has higher income, Berkeley or Evansville?
Median household income is $108,558 in Berkeley and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $56,307/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Berkeley or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with median rent of $2,127/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Berkeley details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Berkeley and Evansville

Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow