Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Chapel Hill, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 9.8% cheaper than Chapel Hill, NC. This translates to saving $732 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chapel Hill, NC, you'd need approximately $141,219.716 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 15.3% cheaper than in Chapel Hill, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,483/month in Chapel Hill, NC.

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

Moving from Chapel Hill, NC to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $732 per month, or $8780 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chapel Hill, NC vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Chapel Hill, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $732/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.2K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$732

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.8K

Per year

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

Chapel Hill, NC

Population:62K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$612K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$176K

Chapel Hill, NC

The Tar Heel State

62K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 62K 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: Chapel Hill, NC vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Chapel Hill, NC	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,300/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $351less	15.3%
📦Other	$1,678/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $88.08less	5.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,238/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $49.46less	4.0%
⚡All Utilities	$537/mo	$503/mo	↓ $33.80less	6.3%
🛒Groceries	$942/mo	$919/mo	↓ $22.57less	2.4%
🏥Healthcare	$590/mo	$582/mo	↓ $7.69less	1.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 15.3%

Chapel Hill, NC

$2,300

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$351

less

📦Other

↓ 5.2%

Chapel Hill, NC

$1,678

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$88.08

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 4.0%

Chapel Hill, NC

$1,238

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$49.46

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.3%

Chapel Hill, NC

$537

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$33.80

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.4%

Chapel Hill, NC

$942

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$22.57

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.3%

Chapel Hill, NC

$590

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$7.69

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Chapel Hill, 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$1,229

To$1,030

↓ $199

1 Bed

From$1,307

To$1,170

↓ $137

2 Bed

From$1,483

To$1,360

↓ $123

3 Bed

From$1,836

To$1,760

↓ $76.00

Chapel Hill, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,510–$1,680/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.

$7,285

Monthly in Chapel Hill, NC

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$552

Difference

Home Values

Chapel Hill

Indianapolis

$612K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +45.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$594K - $629K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 71% less expensive than Chapel Hill

Calculate payment - Chapel Hill 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

Chapel Hill, 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

Chapel Hill, 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.