Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Berkeley, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 45.7% cheaper than Berkeley, CA. This translates to saving $3430 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Berkeley, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Berkeley, CA, you'd need approximately $108,843.361 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Berkeley, CA and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 67.5% cheaper than in Berkeley, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $2,304/month in Berkeley, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Berkeley, CA to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Berkeley, CA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $3430 per month, or $41157 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Berkeley, CA vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Berkeley, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Oakland, CA area

Current salary in Berkeley, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.4K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $108.8K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 45.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,430

Savings

Annual Impact

$41.2K

Per year

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

Berkeley, CA

Population:119K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.14M

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:54

Median Home:$176K

Berkeley, CA

The Golden State

119K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 119K 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: Berkeley, CA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Berkeley, CA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,999/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $4,050less	67.5%
🚗Transportation	$2,097/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $908less	43.3%
📦Other	$1,822/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $231less	12.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,143/mo	$919/mo	↓ $223less	19.5%
🏥Healthcare	$696/mo	$582/mo	↓ $114less	16.3%
⚡All Utilities	$442/mo	$503/mo	↑ $61.06more	13.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 67.5%

Berkeley, CA

$5,999

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$4,050

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 43.3%

Berkeley, CA

$2,097

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$908

less

📦Other

↓ 12.7%

Berkeley, CA

$1,822

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$231

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 19.5%

Berkeley, CA

$1,143

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$223

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.3%

Berkeley, CA

$696

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$114

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.8%

Berkeley, CA

$442

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$61.06

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Berkeley, CA 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$1,693

To$1,030

↓ $663

1 Bed

From$1,887

To$1,170

↓ $717

2 Bed

From$2,304

To$1,360

↓ $944

3 Bed

From$2,944

To$1,760

↓ $1,184

Berkeley, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,020–$2,580/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.

$12,198

Monthly in Berkeley, CA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$5,466

Difference

Home Values

Berkeley

Indianapolis

$1.14M

Median Value

$176K

↓ -2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↓ -0.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$967K - $1.87M

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 85% less expensive than Berkeley

Calculate payment - Berkeley Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$482

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.9%

Rate difference

Berkeley, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Berkeley, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.