Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Durham, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 10.3% cheaper than Durham, NC. This translates to saving $773 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Durham, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Durham, NC, you'd need approximately $140,721.649 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Durham, NC and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 21.1% cheaper than in Durham, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,730/month in Durham, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Durham, NC to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Durham, NC to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $773 per month, or $9278 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Durham, NC vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Durham, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $773/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.7K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 10.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$773

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.3K

Per year

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

Durham, NC

Population:325K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$411K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$176K

Durham, NC

The Tar Heel State

325K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 325K 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: Durham, NC vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Durham, NC	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,469/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $520less	21.1%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $117less	6.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $95.62less	7.4%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$503/mo	↓ $43.71less	8.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$919/mo	↓ $39.97less	4.2%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$582/mo	↓ $18.59less	3.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 21.1%

Durham, NC

$2,469

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$520

less

📦Other

↓ 6.9%

Durham, NC

$1,707

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$117

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.4%

Durham, NC

$1,284

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$95.62

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.0%

Durham, NC

$546

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$43.71

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.2%

Durham, NC

$959

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$39.97

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.1%

Durham, NC

$601

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$18.59

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Durham, NC 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$1,430

To$1,030

↓ $400

1 Bed

From$1,520

To$1,170

↓ $350

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$1,360

↓ $370

3 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,760

↓ $380

Durham, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Durham, NC

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$835

Difference

Home Values

Durham

Indianapolis

$411K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +38%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$306K - $461K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 57% less expensive than Durham

Calculate payment - Durham Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$190

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Durham, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Durham, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.