Moving from Duluth to South Bend (2026)
South Bend has a COL index of 82 vs 87 for Duluth (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$198/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8782
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200$1,050
per month
State tax
9.9%3.2%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,122$4,541
per month
Salary needed in South Bend to match your Duluth lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Duluth | Equivalent in South Bend |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,701 |
| $50K | $47,126 |
| $60K | $56,552 |
| $75K | $70,690 |
| $80K | $75,402 |
| $100K | $94,253 |
| $120K | $113,103 |
| $150K | $141,379 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Duluth vs South Bend
| Expense | Duluth | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,541 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $369 | $353 |
| Transport | $60 | $42 |
| Utilities | $165 | $155 |
| Internet | $62 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,266 | $2,883 |
Frequently asked questions
Is South Bend cheaper than Duluth?
Yes. South Bend has a cost of living index of 82 vs 87 for Duluth (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Duluth to South Bend?
On a $75K salary, moving from Duluth to South Bend could save roughly $198/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,376/year.
What salary do I need in South Bend to match my Duluth lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Duluth, you'd need roughly $70,690/year in South Bend. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from South Bend to DuluthDuluth vs South Bend — full comparisonDuluth cost of livingSouth Bend cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only