Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Highland, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 17.0% cheaper than Highland, CA. This translates to saving $1273 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Highland, CA, you'd need approximately $134,729.937 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 25.3% cheaper than in Highland, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,484/month in Highland, CA.

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

Moving from Highland, CA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1273 per month, or $15270 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Highland, CA — COL adjusted from San Bernardino, CA area + state data

Current salary in Highland, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.3K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $134.7K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 17.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,273

Savings

Annual Impact

$15.3K

Per year

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

Highland, CA

Population:56K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$448K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:83

Median Home:$176K

Highland, CA

The Golden State

56K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 56K 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: Highland, CA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Highland, CA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$2,094/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $905less	43.2%
🏠Housing	$2,609/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $660less	25.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,024/mo	$919/mo	↓ $104less	10.2%
⚡All Utilities	$549/mo	$503/mo	↓ $46.26less	8.4%
🏥Healthcare	$543/mo	$582/mo	↑ $39.27more	7.2%
📦Other	$1,592/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $1.27less	0.1%

🚗Transportation

↓ 43.2%

Highland, CA

$2,094

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$905

less

🏠Housing

↓ 25.3%

Highland, CA

$2,609

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$660

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.2%

Highland, CA

$1,024

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$104

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.4%

Highland, CA

$549

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$46.26

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.2%

Highland, CA

$543

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$39.27

📦Other

↓ 0.1%

Highland, CA

$1,592

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$1.27

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Highland, 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$990

To$1,030

↑ $40.00

1 Bed

From$1,154

To$1,170

↑ $16.00

2 Bed

From$1,484

To$1,360

↓ $124

3 Bed

From$2,062

To$1,760

↓ $302

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.

$8,411

Monthly in Highland, CA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$1,678

Difference

Home Values

Highland

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

↑ $5.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$482

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.9%

Rate difference

Highland, 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

Highland, 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.