Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Gardena, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 44.8% cheaper than Gardena, CA. This translates to saving $3357 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Gardena, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Gardena, CA, you'd need approximately $109,717.72 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Gardena, CA and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 69.2% cheaper than in Gardena, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,730/month in Gardena, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Gardena, CA to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Gardena, CA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $3357 per month, or $40282 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Gardena, CA vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Gardena, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area

Current salary in Gardena, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.4K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $109.7K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 44.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,357

Savings

Annual Impact

$40.3K

Per year

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

Gardena, CA

Population:58K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$789K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:55

Median Home:$176K

Gardena, CA

The Golden State

58K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, 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: Gardena, CA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Gardena, CA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,338/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $4,389less	69.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,961/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $773less	39.4%
🛒Groceries	$992/mo	$919/mo	↓ $72.32less	7.3%
🏥Healthcare	$528/mo	$582/mo	↑ $54.37more	10.3%
⚡All Utilities	$531/mo	$503/mo	↓ $28.61less	5.4%
📦Other	$1,573/mo	$1,590/mo	↑ $17.30more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 69.2%

Gardena, CA

$6,338

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$4,389

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 39.4%

Gardena, CA

$1,961

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$773

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.3%

Gardena, CA

$992

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$72.32

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.3%

Gardena, CA

$528

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$54.37

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.4%

Gardena, CA

$531

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$28.61

less

📦Other

↑ 1.1%

Gardena, CA

$1,573

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$17.30

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Gardena, CA 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$1,236

To$1,030

↓ $206

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,170

↓ $220

2 Bed

From$1,730

To$1,360

↓ $370

3 Bed

From$2,194

To$1,760

↓ $434

Gardena, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,780–$1,890/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.

$11,923

Monthly in Gardena, CA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$5,191

Difference

Home Values

Gardena

Indianapolis

$789K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +21.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$740K - $793K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 78% less expensive than Gardena

Calculate payment - Gardena Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$482

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.9%

Rate difference

Gardena, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Gardena, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.