Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Dallas, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 13.9% cheaper than Dallas, TX. This translates to saving $1040 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Dallas, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Dallas, TX, you'd need approximately $137,524.752 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Dallas, TX and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 18.5% cheaper than in Dallas, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,765/month in Dallas, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Dallas, TX to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Dallas, TX to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1040 per month, or $12475 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Dallas, TX

Tap to swap

Indianapolis, IN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Dallas, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.5K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,040

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.5K

Per year

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

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$292K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:86

Median Home:$176K

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

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: Dallas, TX vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Dallas, TX	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,391/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $442less	18.5%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $184less	10.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,298/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $109less	8.4%
⚡All Utilities	$563/mo	$503/mo	↓ $60.11less	10.7%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$919/mo	↓ $59.96less	6.1%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$582/mo	↓ $49.57less	7.8%

🏠Housing

↓ 18.5%

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$442

less

📦Other

↓ 10.4%

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$184

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.4%

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$109

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 10.7%

Dallas, TX

$563

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$60.11

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.1%

Dallas, TX

$979

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$59.96

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.8%

Dallas, TX

$632

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$49.57

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Dallas, TX 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$1,450

To$1,030

↓ $420

1 Bed

From$1,505

To$1,170

↓ $335

2 Bed

From$1,765

To$1,360

↓ $405

3 Bed

From$2,220

To$1,760

↓ $460

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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.

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$905

Difference

Home Values

Dallas

Indianapolis

$292K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +27.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$138K - $2.01M

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 40% less expensive than Dallas

Calculate payment - Dallas Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$404

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.2%

Rate difference

Dallas, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Dallas, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.