Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Anchorage, AK?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 30.4% cheaper than Anchorage, AK. This translates to saving $2280 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Anchorage, AK?

If you earn $150,000 in Anchorage, AK, you'd need approximately $122,640 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Anchorage, AK and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 36.4% cheaper than in Anchorage, AK. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,720/month in Anchorage, AK.

How much can I save per month by moving from Anchorage, AK to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Anchorage, AK to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $2280 per month, or $27360 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Anchorage, AK vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Anchorage, AK

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.3K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $122.6K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 30.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,280

Savings

Annual Impact

$27.4K

Per year

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

Anchorage, AK

Population:292K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$365K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:70

Median Home:$176K

Anchorage, AK

The Last Frontier

292K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Alaska, this city has a population of 292K residents.

💡 Advantage: Alaska has no state income tax!

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: Anchorage, AK vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Anchorage, AK	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $1,117less	36.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,329/mo	$919/mo	↓ $410less	30.8%
⚡All Utilities	$825/mo	$503/mo	↓ $322less	39.1%
🏥Healthcare	$892/mo	$582/mo	↓ $310less	34.7%
📦Other	$1,858/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $268less	14.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $260less	17.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 36.4%

Anchorage, AK

$3,066

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$1,117

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 30.8%

Anchorage, AK

$1,329

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$410

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 39.1%

Anchorage, AK

$825

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$322

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 34.7%

Anchorage, AK

$892

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$310

less

📦Other

↓ 14.4%

Anchorage, AK

$1,858

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$268

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 17.9%

Anchorage, AK

$1,448

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$260

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Anchorage, AK 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$1,230

To$1,030

↓ $200

1 Bed

From$1,325

To$1,170

↓ $155

2 Bed

From$1,720

To$1,360

↓ $360

3 Bed

From$2,340

To$1,760

↓ $580

Anchorage, AKZIP-level data

1BR range: $890–$1,570/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.

$9,419

Monthly in Anchorage, AK

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$2,687

Difference

Home Values

Anchorage

Indianapolis

$365K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +3.9%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +20.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$316K - $658K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 52% less expensive than Anchorage

Calculate payment - Anchorage Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$404

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.2%

Rate difference

Anchorage, AK

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alaska State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Anchorage, AK Tax Rates

Sales Tax:1.8%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.