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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $761/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.9K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
10.1%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$761
Savings
Annual Impact
$9.1K
Per year

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

Carrollton, GA

Population:28K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$279K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K
Cost Index:
90
(10% below avg)
Median Home:$176K

Carrollton, GA

The Peach State

28K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 28K 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: Carrollton, GA vs Indianapolis, IN

Housing
9.7%
Carrollton, GA
$2,158
Indianapolis, IN
$1,949
Difference
$209
less
Other
9.6%
Carrollton, GA
$1,758
Indianapolis, IN
$1,590
Difference
$168
less
Transportation
10.1%
Carrollton, GA
$1,323
Indianapolis, IN
$1,188
Difference
$134
less
All Utilities
10.0%
Carrollton, GA
$559
Indianapolis, IN
$503
Difference
$56.08
less
Healthcare
3.5%
Carrollton, GA
$563
Indianapolis, IN
$582
Difference
$19.87
more
Groceries
0.3%
Carrollton, GA
$917
Indianapolis, IN
$919
Difference
$2.50
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Carrollton, GA 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$889
To$1,030
$141
1 Bed
From$932
To$1,170
$238
2 Bed
From$1,021
To$1,360
$339
3 Bed
From$1,227
To$1,760
$533
Carrollton, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,180$1,220/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.

$7,277
Monthly in Carrollton, GA
$6,732
Monthly in Indianapolis, IN
$545
Difference

Home Values

Carrollton
Indianapolis
$279K
Median Value
$176K
↓ -1.4%
YoY Change
↓ -1.1%
↑ +41.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +26.9%
$277K - $281K
Price Range
$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 37% less expensive than Carrollton

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$3.6K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$301
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.4%
Rate difference

Carrollton, GA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Georgia State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,711/month
$104.5K

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

Carrollton, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%
Property Tax:0.9%

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.

Environment

Carrollton
Indianapolis
50 Good
Air Quality
54 Moderate
50.8%
Good Air Days
36.6%
96 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+3.1°F
28 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+3.1°F
28 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days

What to Consider When Moving from Carrollton, GA to Indianapolis, IN

Relocating from Carrollton, GA to Indianapolis, IN involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 10% lower in Indianapolis, IN, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Indianapolis, IN is 10% cheaper than in Carrollton, GA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Indianapolis, IN pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Indianapolis, IN to match your current standard of living in Carrollton, GA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Indianapolis, IN for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Carrollton, GA vs Indianapolis, IN

Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Carrollton, GA?

Yes, Indianapolis, IN is about 10.1% cheaper than Carrollton, GA. You could save approximately $761/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 10% lower in Indianapolis, IN.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to match my lifestyle in Carrollton, GA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Carrollton, GA, you would need approximately $140,871 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Carrollton, GA and Indianapolis, IN?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,021/month in Carrollton, GA compared to $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN. One-bedroom apartments are $932/month in Carrollton, GA vs $1,170/month in Indianapolis, IN. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Carrollton, GA or Indianapolis, IN?

Grocery prices are very similar between Carrollton, GA and Indianapolis, IN, with less than 1% difference. Your food budget would stay about the same.

What is the best time to move from Carrollton, GA to Indianapolis, IN?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Georgia and Indiana on TaxTakeHome.com

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