Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Baltimore, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 17.9% cheaper than Baltimore, MD. This translates to saving $1344 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Baltimore, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Baltimore, MD, you'd need approximately $133,867.925 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baltimore, MD and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 37.5% cheaper than in Baltimore, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Baltimore, MD to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Baltimore, MD to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1344 per month, or $16132 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baltimore, MD vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Baltimore, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $133.9K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 17.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,344

Savings

Annual Impact

$16.1K

Per year

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

Baltimore, MD

Population:586K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:82

Median Home:$176K

Baltimore, MD

The Old Line State

586K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 586K 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: Baltimore, MD vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Baltimore, MD	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,118/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $1,169less	37.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $191less	13.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,089/mo	$919/mo	↓ $170less	15.6%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $117less	6.9%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$503/mo	↓ $104less	17.1%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$582/mo	↓ $6.20less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 37.5%

Baltimore, MD

$3,118

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$1,169

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.9%

Baltimore, MD

$1,380

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$191

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.6%

Baltimore, MD

$1,089

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$170

less

📦Other

↓ 6.9%

Baltimore, MD

$1,707

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$117

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 17.1%

Baltimore, MD

$607

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$104

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.1%

Baltimore, MD

$589

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$6.20

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Baltimore, MD: Baltimore City Income Tax$4,800/yr (3.2%)

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

Net difference-$1,770/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,270

To$1,030

↓ $240

1 Bed

From$1,450

To$1,170

↓ $280

2 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,360

↓ $410

3 Bed

From$2,280

To$1,760

↓ $520

Baltimore, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,790/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.

$8,490

Monthly in Baltimore, MD

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$1,758

Difference

Home Values

Baltimore

Indianapolis

$218K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +20%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$72K - $469K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 19% less expensive than Baltimore

Calculate payment - Baltimore Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$201

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.6%

Rate difference

Baltimore, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

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

Baltimore, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

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.