Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Austin, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 4.3% cheaper than Austin, MN. This translates to saving $322 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Austin, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, MN, you'd need approximately $146,135.12 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Austin, MN and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 7.4% cheaper than in Austin, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $787/month in Austin, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Austin, MN to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Austin, MN to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $322 per month, or $3865 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Austin, MN vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Austin, MN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Saint Paul, MN area

Current salary in Austin, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $322/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.1K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 4.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$322

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.9K

Per year

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

Austin, MN

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$181K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$176K

Austin, MN

The North Star State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 26K 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: Austin, MN vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Austin, MN	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,106/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $157less	7.4%
🏥Healthcare	$703/mo	$582/mo	↓ $121less	17.2%
📦Other	$1,493/mo	$1,590/mo	↑ $97.56more	6.5%
🛒Groceries	$958/mo	$919/mo	↓ $38.34less	4.0%
⚡All Utilities	$473/mo	$503/mo	↑ $29.88more	6.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,194/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $6.02less	0.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 7.4%

Austin, MN

$2,106

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$157

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 17.2%

Austin, MN

$703

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$121

less

📦Other

↑ 6.5%

Austin, MN

$1,493

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$97.56

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.0%

Austin, MN

$958

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$38.34

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.3%

Austin, MN

$473

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$29.88

🚗Transportation

↓ 0.5%

Austin, MN

$1,194

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$6.02

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Austin, MN 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$545

To$1,030

↑ $485

1 Bed

From$603

To$1,170

↑ $567

2 Bed

From$787

To$1,360

↑ $573

3 Bed

From$1,016

To$1,760

↑ $744

Austin, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$820/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.

$6,927

Monthly in Austin, MN

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$195

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Indianapolis

$181K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +5.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +41.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$181K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 3% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$466

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.7%

Rate difference

Austin, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

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

Austin, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.