Cost of Living: Peoria vs Carmel (2026)
Peoria has a 15% lower overall cost of living than Carmel as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,050/mo in Peoria vs $1,450/mo in Carmel — a 28% difference. Carmel has a lower state income tax rate (3.2% vs 5%), which adds up over time.
- Peoria is 15% cheaper overall (COL index: 83 vs 98)
- 1BR rent: $1,050/mo in Peoria vs $1,450/mo — 28% savings
- Higher median household income: Carmel ($92,000/yr vs $50,000/yr)
- Median home price: $175,000 in Peoria vs $380,000 — 54% difference
| Category | Peoria Illinois | Carmel Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $850Best | $1,150 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,050Best | $1,450 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,400Best | $1,900 |
| Median home price | $175KBest | $380K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 95Best | 99 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $13 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $48Best | $55 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $55 | $40Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.05Best | $3.05 |
| Car insurance/mo | $148 | $136Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $158 | $152Best |
| Internet/mo | $60Best | $62 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $50K | $92KBest |
| State income tax% | 5.0% | 3.2%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.5% | 7.0%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $14.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $33Best | $38 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.00Best | $6.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 83Best | 98 |
| Walk score / 100 | 38Best | 20 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Peoria cheaper than Carmel?
Yes. Peoria is 15% cheaper than Carmel based on overall cost of living indices (83 vs 98, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Peoria vs Carmel?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Peoria is $1,050/month and in Carmel is $1,450/month. Peoria is cheaper by 28%.
How much do I need to earn in Carmel to match a $75,000 salary in Peoria?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $88,554/year in Carmel to match a $75,000 salary in Peoria. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Peoria or Carmel?
Carmel has the lower state income tax rate at 3.2% vs 5%. The difference is 1.8 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Peoria to Carmel?
It depends on your priorities. Peoria offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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