Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Des Plaines, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 12.2% cheaper than Des Plaines, IL. This translates to saving $912 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Des Plaines, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Des Plaines, IL, you'd need approximately $139,054.795 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Des Plaines, IL and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 22.9% cheaper than in Des Plaines, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,472/month in Des Plaines, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Des Plaines, IL to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Des Plaines, IL to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $912 per month, or $10945 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Des Plaines, IL vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Des Plaines, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Des Plaines, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $912/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.1K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$912

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.9K

Per year

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

Des Plaines, IL

Population:58K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$310K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$176K

Des Plaines, IL

The Prairie State

58K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 58K 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: Des Plaines, IL vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Des Plaines, IL	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,529/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $580less	22.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,539/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $351less	22.8%
🛒Groceries	$985/mo	$919/mo	↓ $65.87less	6.7%
📦Other	$1,610/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $20.17less	1.3%
🏥Healthcare	$569/mo	$582/mo	↑ $13.06more	2.3%
⚡All Utilities	$497/mo	$503/mo	↑ $5.82more	1.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 22.9%

Des Plaines, IL

$2,529

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$580

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 22.8%

Des Plaines, IL

$1,539

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$351

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.7%

Des Plaines, IL

$985

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$65.87

less

📦Other

↓ 1.3%

Des Plaines, IL

$1,610

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$20.17

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.3%

Des Plaines, IL

$569

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$13.06

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.2%

Des Plaines, IL

$497

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$5.82

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Des Plaines, IL 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$1,223

To$1,030

↓ $193

1 Bed

From$1,308

To$1,170

↓ $138

2 Bed

From$1,472

To$1,360

↓ $112

3 Bed

From$1,892

To$1,760

↓ $132

Des Plaines, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,680–$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.

$7,730

Monthly in Des Plaines, IL

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$998

Difference

Home Values

Des Plaines

Indianapolis

$310K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +4.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +33.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$310K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 43% less expensive than Des Plaines

Calculate payment - Des Plaines 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

Des Plaines, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/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

Des Plaines, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.