Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Altoona, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 3.7% cheaper than Altoona, PA. This translates to saving $275 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Altoona, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Altoona, PA, you'd need approximately $146,700.551 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Altoona, PA and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 1.5% cheaper than in Altoona, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,131/month in Altoona, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Altoona, PA to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Altoona, PA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $275 per month, or $3299 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Altoona, PA vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Altoona, PA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Pittsburgh, PA area

Current salary in Altoona, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $275/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.7K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$275

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Altoona, PA

Population:43K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$133K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$176K

Altoona, PA

The Keystone State

43K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 43K residents.

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Altoona, PA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Altoona, PA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
⚡All Utilities	$611/mo	$503/mo	↓ $108less	17.7%
🛒Groceries	$997/mo	$919/mo	↓ $77.21less	7.7%
🏥Healthcare	$531/mo	$582/mo	↑ $51.90more	9.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,234/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $45.23less	3.7%
📦Other	$1,631/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $40.41less	2.5%
🏠Housing	$1,978/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $28.71less	1.5%

⚡All Utilities

↓ 17.7%

Altoona, PA

$611

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$108

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.7%

Altoona, PA

$997

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$77.21

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.8%

Altoona, PA

$531

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$51.90

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.7%

Altoona, PA

$1,234

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$45.23

less

📦Other

↓ 2.5%

Altoona, PA

$1,631

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$40.41

less

🏠Housing

↓ 1.5%

Altoona, PA

$1,978

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$28.71

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

Altoona, PA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$797

To$1,030

↑ $233

1 Bed

From$944

To$1,170

↑ $226

2 Bed

From$1,131

To$1,360

↑ $229

3 Bed

From$1,451

To$1,760

↑ $309

Altoona, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $930–$930/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,980

Monthly in Altoona, PA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$248

Difference

Home Values

Altoona

Indianapolis

$133K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +3.8%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +13.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$129K - $138K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 32% more expensive than Altoona

Calculate payment - Altoona Calculate payment - Indianapolis

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $240

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$20.00

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Altoona, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Altoona, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.