Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

$
Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $250/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.0K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Columbus, OH area
Overall Cost
3.3%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$250
Savings
Annual Impact
$3.0K
Per year

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

Columbus, OH

Population:906K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$263K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K
Cost Index:
97
(3% below avg)
Median Home:$176K

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K 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: Columbus, OH vs Indianapolis, IN

Transportation
13.0%
Columbus, OH
$1,366
Indianapolis, IN
$1,188
Difference
$178
less
Housing
5.1%
Columbus, OH
$2,053
Indianapolis, IN
$1,949
Difference
$104
less
Groceries
5.2%
Columbus, OH
$969
Indianapolis, IN
$919
Difference
$49.96
less
All Utilities
8.2%
Columbus, OH
$464
Indianapolis, IN
$503
Difference
$38.25
more
Other
2.2%
Columbus, OH
$1,557
Indianapolis, IN
$1,590
Difference
$33.48
more
Healthcare
4.1%
Columbus, OH
$607
Indianapolis, IN
$582
Difference
$24.78
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)
Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)
Net difference-$720/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,020
To$1,030
$10.00
1 Bed
From$1,100
To$1,170
$70.00
2 Bed
From$1,315
To$1,360
$45.00
3 Bed
From$1,575
To$1,760
$185
Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870$1,790/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.

$7,017
Monthly in Columbus, OH
$6,732
Monthly in Indianapolis, IN
$285
Difference

Home Values

Columbus
Indianapolis
$263K
Median Value
$176K
↓ -0.4%
YoY Change
↓ -1.1%
↑ +28.8%
5-Year Change
↑ +26.9%
$95K - $406K
Price Range
$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 33% less expensive than Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$418
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$34.81
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.3%
Rate difference

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Ohio State Tax
Effective: 3.0%
$4.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.6%
$41.4K
Take-Home Pay
$9,047/month
$108.6K

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

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:1.6%

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

Columbus
Indianapolis
53 Moderate
Air Quality
54 Moderate
41.3%
Good Air Days
36.6%
98 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.1°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.1°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days

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

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Columbus, OH on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Indianapolis, IN

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison