Evansville vs Samarinda: Cost of Living, Lifestyle, Housing and Quality of Life

Evansville Evansville Image by:Alex Azabache
Samarinda Samarinda Image by:Tom Fisk

Introduction

Health Care Index
77.8 / 36.1
Pollution Index
24.5 / 35.6

Evansville   Samarinda

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Evansville and Samarinda create a practical long-term living comparison rather than a simple travel-style choice. Evansville has a clearer case for pollution-related indicators, commute-related indicators, and healthcare-related indicators. Samarinda has a clearer case for rent and housing and safety. The comparison stays within measurable living indicators and avoids unsupported claims about neighborhoods, infrastructure, services, or local routines.

Safety Index
57.7 / 75
Traffic Commute Time Index
24.6 / 25

Evansville   Samarinda

Quick verdict

Evansville and Samarinda are not the same kind of choice. For budget control, Samarinda looks stronger, especially around rent and housing. The comfort picture is also mixed: Evansville leads on healthcare-related indicators, pollution-related indicators, and commute-related indicators, while Samarinda leads on safety. The better choice depends on whether the reader wants lower monthly pressure, stronger comfort indicators, or a better balance between cost and daily living conditions.

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living is the first filter for many long-stay decisions, but the available indicators do not provide a separate overall cost-of-living comparison for Evansville and Samarinda. Apartment rent appears much higher in Evansville than in Samarinda. These related cost indicators still help readers compare monthly pressure, especially around housing, daily spending, or transport where comparable signals are available.

Housing and real estate

Housing deserves special weight because rent can shape the whole monthly plan. Apartment rent appears much higher in Evansville than in Samarinda. A city that looks heavier on housing needs a more careful long-stay budget, even when other indicators are attractive.

Safety and general comfort

Safety indicators are useful for people thinking about a longer stay, family life, or moving without a local network. Safety indicators appear clearly higher in Samarinda than in Evansville. This is a broad directional signal and should not be turned into a claim about particular neighborhoods or incidents.

Healthcare and long-stay comfort

Healthcare-related indicators matter more for long stays than for short visits. Healthcare-related indicators appear much higher in Evansville than in Samarinda. The comparison gives a relative comfort signal without making claims about specific providers, services, or outcomes.

Pollution-related comfort

Pollution-related indicators are important because they affect perceived daily comfort. Pollution indicators appear clearly higher in Samarinda than in Evansville. This should stay as a broad comparison signal rather than a detailed claim about local air conditions.

Commute and daily movement

Commute-related indicators matter because small routine delays can become a major part of long-term living. Traffic and commute indicators appear slightly higher in Samarinda than in Evansville. This does not describe any specific route or transport method; it only gives a broad pressure signal.

Who should choose Evansville?

Evansville has the clearer case for readers who care more about healthcare-related indicators, pollution-related indicators, and commute-related indicators than simply choosing the lowest-cost option. Healthcare-related indicators appear much higher in Evansville than in Samarinda. Pollution indicators appear clearly higher in Samarinda than in Evansville. Traffic and commute indicators appear slightly higher in Samarinda than in Evansville. The main caution is rent and housing and safety, where Samarinda looks stronger. Apartment rent appears much higher in Evansville than in Samarinda. Safety indicators appear clearly higher in Samarinda than in Evansville. For that reason, Evansville should be chosen when those strengths match the reader's actual priorities, not because it is automatically better overall.

Who should choose Samarinda?

Samarinda makes the strongest case for readers who care about rent and housing, while also valuing safety. Apartment rent appears much higher in Evansville than in Samarinda. Safety indicators appear clearly higher in Samarinda than in Evansville. The main caution is healthcare-related indicators, pollution-related indicators, and commute-related indicators, where Evansville looks stronger. Healthcare-related indicators appear much higher in Evansville than in Samarinda. Pollution indicators appear clearly higher in Samarinda than in Evansville. Traffic and commute indicators appear slightly higher in Samarinda than in Evansville. For that reason, Samarinda should be chosen when those strengths match the reader's actual priorities, not because it is automatically better overall.

Final recommendation

The best choice between Evansville and Samarinda depends on the reader's main trade-off. Evansville has the clearer case for healthcare-related indicators, pollution-related indicators, and commute-related indicators, while Samarinda has the clearer case for rent and housing and safety. A safer decision compares housing, daily expenses, transport costs, safety, income, comfort, and long-term routine together instead of relying on one headline indicator.

FAQ

Which city is generally more affordable between Evansville and Samarinda?

Samarinda looks more affordable on the available cost-side indicators, especially around rent and housing. Actual affordability still depends on income, household size, and personal spending habits.

Which city looks better for long-term living?

Long-term living is a trade-off. Evansville looks stronger for healthcare-related indicators, pollution-related indicators, and commute-related indicators, while Samarinda looks stronger for safety.

How should housing be weighed in this comparison?

Housing should be treated as one of the most important parts of the decision because it affects monthly pressure and daily comfort. A city with heavier rent or housing indicators needs a more careful long-stay budget, even when other categories look attractive.

Are safety and quality-of-life indicators enough to choose one city?

They are useful, but they are not enough on their own. Safety and quality-of-life indicators should be balanced with rent, daily spending, transport costs, income, and the reader's tolerance for higher monthly pressure.

Which city is better for remote work or flexible living?

The better choice depends on whether the reader wants lower monthly pressure or stronger comfort-side indicators. A lower-cost city can be easier for budget control, while a city with stronger income, quality-of-life, or safety indicators may feel better for a longer stay.

EvansvilleEvansville
SamarindaSamarinda

Local cuisine & dishes

Evansville

Pork Tenderloin SandwichA quintessential Evansville favorite, this sandwich features tender, juicy pork loin served on a soft bun with crispy onions, house-made slaw, and a tangy secret sauce. The pork is brined overnight with local spices, then slow-cooked to perfection, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with the crunchy, cool elements of the sandwich.
Braised OpossumA lesser-known but deeply traditional dish, braised opossum is prepared by slow-cooking the meat in a rich, savory broth with local herbs and spices. The result is tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone, served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside a side of cornbread. While it may seem unusual, it's a true taste of Evansville's rural heritage.
Sorghum-Corn CasseroleThis hearty casserole is a local staple made with a mix of sorghum and yellow cornmeal, baked until golden and slightly crispy on top. Topped with a layer of sweet potatoes and dotted with bits of bacon, it offers a unique combination of textures and flavors. The dish is both comforting and representative of Evansville's agricultural roots.

Samarinda

Es DurianA refreshing and creamy drink made by blending fresh durian fruit with ice and a touch of sugar. Served in a tall glass with crushed ice on top, it offers a tropical twist to any meal, perfectly cooling on hot days.
Ikan Bakar SamarindaA flavorful grilled fish dish marinated with empurayap fruit and sambal. The fish is cooked over charcoal, resulting in tender meat with a smoky aroma. Traditionally served with steamed rice and a side of spicy sambal, it's a must-try for seafood lovers.
Kue Mawar/LumpurDelicate traditional cakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, baked to perfection. These small, round cakes have a soft, chewy texture and are often flavored with pandan or served plain. Ideal as a sweet snack or dessert, they capture the essence of Samarinda's culinary heritage.
EvansvilleEvansville
SamarindaSamarinda

Travel & attractions

Evansville

Angel Mounds State ParkAn archaeological site featuring prehistoric Native American mound structures
Reitz Home MuseumA Victorian-era mansion showcasing local history and artifacts
Tropicanoe Cove Water ParkA popular water park with slides, pools, and a lazy river
Willard LibraryThe oldest public library in Indiana, featuring historic architecture and exhibits
Old Vanderburgh County CourthouseA beautiful Beaux-Arts style building housing the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science

Samarinda

Samarinda City Square (Alun-alun Samarinda)A popular gathering spot in the heart of the city featuring a large fountain and various food stalls.
Mangkalihat FortressAn ancient Dutch colonial fortress built in the 18th century, offering a glimpse into the region's history.
Samarinda ZooA popular attraction with a variety of animals including orangutans, tigers, and elephants.
Tanjung Putus LighthouseAn iconic lighthouse located on the coast of Samarinda, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Kalimas RiverA major river flowing through Samarinda, known for its scenic beauty and various water activities.

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Real estate & living comparison

Evansville Samarinda
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) 3375.36 USD 351.19 USD
GDP Growth Rate: 2.89 USD 5.05 USD
Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) 268.31 USD 29.64 USD
Population 206,418 831,460

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Last updated: 2026-05-29T20:33:59+00:00

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