Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Clifton, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 17.2% cheaper than Clifton, NJ. This translates to saving $1289 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Clifton, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Clifton, NJ, you'd need approximately $134,537.768 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Clifton, NJ and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 1.5% cheaper than in Clifton, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,910/month in Clifton, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Clifton, NJ to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Clifton, NJ to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1289 per month, or $15462 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Clifton, NJ vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Clifton, NJ — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Clifton, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.5K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 17.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,289

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.5K

Per year

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

Clifton, NJ

Population:88K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$599K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:83

Median Home:$176K

Clifton, NJ

The Garden State

88K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 88K 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: Clifton, NJ vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Clifton, NJ	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,970/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $380less	19.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,555/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $366less	23.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,084/mo	$919/mo	↓ $165less	15.2%
🏥Healthcare	$678/mo	$582/mo	↓ $95.86less	14.1%
⚡All Utilities	$587/mo	$503/mo	↓ $84.69less	14.4%
🏠Housing	$1,979/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $30.13less	1.5%

📦Other

↓ 19.3%

Clifton, NJ

$1,970

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$380

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 23.6%

Clifton, NJ

$1,555

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$366

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.2%

Clifton, NJ

$1,084

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$165

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.1%

Clifton, NJ

$678

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$95.86

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 14.4%

Clifton, NJ

$587

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$84.69

less

🏠Housing

↓ 1.5%

Clifton, NJ

$1,979

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$30.13

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Clifton, NJ 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$1,463

To$1,030

↓ $433

1 Bed

From$1,666

To$1,170

↓ $496

2 Bed

From$1,910

To$1,360

↓ $550

3 Bed

From$2,331

To$1,760

↓ $571

Clifton, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,960–$2,280/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.

$7,854

Monthly in Clifton, NJ

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$1,121

Difference

Home Values

Clifton

Indianapolis

$599K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +44%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$574K - $639K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 71% less expensive than Clifton

Calculate payment - Clifton Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$215

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.7%

Rate difference

Clifton, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Clifton, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.