South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI CoL Index: 90.9 (9.1% below US avg) Local Tax: 1.75% Median wage −8.7% vs US ● 2026 Labor Economics

South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Metropolitan Wage Intelligence

Data updated · Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025, HUD FY 2027 Fair Market Rents, EPI 2026 Family Budget, 2026 tax tables · Methodology

South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (9.1% below the national average), HUD fair market rent of $1,093 for a 1-bedroom unit, and a single-adult living wage of $20.10/hour. This dossier benchmarks 47 occupations against South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI wage percentiles, led by Chief Executives at $261,280 median.

All-Occupation Median (BLS)
$46,540 / yr
$22.38 / hour
HUD Fair Market Rent
$1,093 / mo (1BR)
$1,276 / mo (2BR)
Living Wage Benchmark
$20.10 / hr
$19.47/hr per adult (2 working adults + 1 child)
Local Municipal Tax
1.75%
Rent: 28.2% of Median

HUD Fair Market Rents & Family Expenditure Benchmarks

Official Fair Market Rent (FMR) levels established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) paired with living wage targets.

Housing Affordability Ratio 3.5x Coverage
Studio / Efficiency
$937 $11,244 / year
1-Bedroom Unit
$1,093 $13,116 / year
2-Bedroom Family
$1,276 $15,312 / year
3-Bedroom Residence
$1,545 $18,540 / year
Living Wage & Self-Sufficiency Standards (EPI model)

In the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI metropolitan statistical area, a single working adult needs an estimated $20.10/hour ($41,808/year) to cover basic expenditures, while two working adults supporting one child each need about $19.47/hour.

Annual Living Wage (Single) $41,808 / yr

Sector & Industry Compensation Highlights

Breakdown of median earnings, workforce scale, and premier occupations across major economic sectors.

Comparative Occupation Salary Matrix

Localized median wages, hourly equivalents, national premium deltas, and purchasing power across all tracked careers.

Occupation Title & Category Metro Median Salary Hourly Rate vs National Avg CoL Adjusted Real Wage Explore

Peer Metropolitan Market Comparisons

Side-by-side BLS median wages, housing rent benchmarks, and municipal tax rates across key regional competitors.

Metropolitan Labor Economics & Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median salary in the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI metropolitan area in 2026?

The BLS median wage across all occupations in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI is $46,540 per year ($22.38/hour), −8.7% vs US (BLS OEWS May 2025).

What are the HUD Fair Market Rents in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) data, a 1-bedroom apartment in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI costs $1,093/month and a 2-bedroom $1,276/month. The metro's median wage covers annual 1BR rent 3.5x over.

What local municipal taxes apply to workers in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI?

Workers residing or performing services within South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI are subject to a local municipal income tax of 1.75%, in addition to statutory state income tax, federal income tax, and FICA withholdings.

What is the living wage required in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI for single adults and families?

Based on the EPI Family Budget Calculator, a single working adult in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI needs about $20.10/hour ($41,808/year) to cover basic expenses. Two working adults supporting one child each need about $19.47/hour, 80,995 a year for the household.

South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Metropolitan Wage Intelligence Overview

Metropolitan statistical area compensation intelligence, living wage requirements, and occupation distributions in South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI. Official 2026 economic data for South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, HUD Fair Market Rents, and statutory tax codes.