Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 15.5% cheaper than Austin, TX. This translates to saving $1165 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $136,019.417 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 32.4% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

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

Moving from Austin, TX to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1165 per month, or $13981 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Austin, TX

Tap to swap

Indianapolis, IN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.0K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 15.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,165

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.0K

Per year

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

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:84

Median Home:$176K

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

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, TX vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Austin, TX	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $936less	32.4%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $151less	8.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $95.62less	7.4%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$919/mo	↓ $39.97less	4.2%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$503/mo	↓ $38.25less	7.1%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$582/mo	↓ $6.20less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 32.4%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$936

less

📦Other

↓ 8.7%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$151

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.4%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$95.62

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.2%

Austin, TX

$959

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$39.97

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.1%

Austin, TX

$541

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$38.25

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.1%

Austin, TX

$589

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$6.20

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Austin, TX 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$1,585

To$1,030

↓ $555

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,170

↓ $515

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$1,360

↓ $635

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$1,760

↓ $765

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$1,266

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Indianapolis

$558K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 68% 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

↓ $4.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$404

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.2%

Rate difference

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas 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

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.