Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Denver, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 20.9% cheaper than Denver, CO. This translates to saving $1568 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Denver, CO?

If you earn $150,000 in Denver, CO, you'd need approximately $131,181.818 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Denver, CO and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 40.0% cheaper than in Denver, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $2,190/month in Denver, CO.

How much can I save per month by moving from Denver, CO to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Denver, CO to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1568 per month, or $18818 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Denver, CO

Tap to swap

Indianapolis, IN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Denver, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.6K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $131.2K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↓ 20.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,568

Savings

Annual Impact

$18.8K

Per year

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$513K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:79

Median Home:$176K

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

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: Denver, CO vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Denver, CO	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,248/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $1,299less	40.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,462/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $273less	18.7%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $184less	10.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$919/mo	↓ $110less	10.7%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$582/mo	↓ $49.57less	7.8%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$503/mo	↓ $16.39less	3.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 40.0%

Denver, CO

$3,248

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$1,299

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.7%

Denver, CO

$1,462

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$273

less

📦Other

↓ 10.4%

Denver, CO

$1,774

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$184

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.7%

Denver, CO

$1,029

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$110

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.8%

Denver, CO

$632

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$49.57

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.2%

Denver, CO

$519

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$16.39

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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

Net difference+$2,961/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,720

To$1,030

↓ $690

1 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,170

↓ $670

2 Bed

From$2,190

To$1,360

↓ $830

3 Bed

From$2,870

To$1,760

↓ $1,110

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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.

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$1,933

Difference

Home Values

Denver

Indianapolis

$513K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +13%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$352K - $933K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 66% less expensive than Denver

Calculate payment - Denver Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$146

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.2%

Rate difference

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

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

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

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.