Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Essex, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 12.9% cheaper than Essex, MD. This translates to saving $965 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Essex, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Essex, MD, you'd need approximately $138,416.774 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Essex, MD and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 26.3% cheaper than in Essex, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,321/month in Essex, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Essex, MD to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Essex, MD to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $965 per month, or $11583 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Essex, MD vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Essex, MD — COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area + state data

Current salary in Essex, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $965/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.4K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 12.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$965

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.6K

Per year

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

Essex, MD

Population:41K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:87

Median Home:$176K

Essex, MD

The Old Line State

41K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 41K 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: Essex, MD vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Essex, MD	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,644/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $695less	26.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,057/mo	$919/mo	↓ $138less	13.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,300/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $111less	8.6%
⚡All Utilities	$589/mo	$503/mo	↓ $85.96less	14.6%
📦Other	$1,608/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $18.13less	1.1%
🏥Healthcare	$571/mo	$582/mo	↑ $11.13more	1.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 26.3%

Essex, MD

$2,644

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$695

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 13.0%

Essex, MD

$1,057

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$138

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.6%

Essex, MD

$1,300

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$111

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 14.6%

Essex, MD

$589

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$85.96

less

📦Other

↓ 1.1%

Essex, MD

$1,608

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$18.13

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.9%

Essex, MD

$571

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$11.13

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Essex, MD 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$921

To$1,030

↑ $109

1 Bed

From$1,081

To$1,170

↑ $89.00

2 Bed

From$1,321

To$1,360

↑ $39.00

3 Bed

From$1,762

To$1,760

↓ $2.00

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.

$7,769

Monthly in Essex, MD

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$1,037

Difference

Home Values

Essex

Indianapolis

Median Value

$176K

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$201

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.6%

Rate difference

Essex, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

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

Essex, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.