Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Burlington, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 9.5% cheaper than Burlington, NC. This translates to saving $714 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Burlington, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Burlington, NC, you'd need approximately $141,426.801 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Burlington, NC and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 15.0% cheaper than in Burlington, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $964/month in Burlington, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Burlington, NC to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Burlington, NC to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $714 per month, or $8573 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Burlington, NC vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Burlington, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Durham, NC area

Current salary in Burlington, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $714/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.4K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 9.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$714

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.6K

Per year

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

Burlington, NC

Population:60K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$176K

Burlington, NC

The Tar Heel State

60K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 60K 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: Burlington, NC vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Burlington, NC	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,294/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $345less	15.0%
📦Other	$1,674/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $83.81less	5.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,235/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $46.31less	3.8%
⚡All Utilities	$536/mo	$503/mo	↓ $33.12less	6.2%
🛒Groceries	$941/mo	$919/mo	↓ $21.37less	2.3%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$582/mo	↓ $6.94less	1.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 15.0%

Burlington, NC

$2,294

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$345

less

📦Other

↓ 5.0%

Burlington, NC

$1,674

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$83.81

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.8%

Burlington, NC

$1,235

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$46.31

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.2%

Burlington, NC

$536

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$33.12

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.3%

Burlington, NC

$941

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$21.37

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.2%

Burlington, NC

$589

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$6.94

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Burlington, NC 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$711

To$1,030

↑ $319

1 Bed

From$875

To$1,170

↑ $295

2 Bed

From$964

To$1,360

↑ $396

3 Bed

From$1,193

To$1,760

↑ $567

Burlington, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,070–$1,070/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.

$7,269

Monthly in Burlington, NC

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$537

Difference

Home Values

Burlington

Indianapolis

$218K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +53.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$218K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 19% less expensive than Burlington

Calculate payment - Burlington Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$190

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Burlington, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Burlington, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.