Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Highland Park, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 10.8% cheaper than Highland Park, IL. This translates to saving $809 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Highland Park, IL, you'd need approximately $140,292.442 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 21.7% cheaper than in Highland Park, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,886/month in Highland Park, IL.

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

Moving from Highland Park, IL to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $809 per month, or $9708 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Highland Park, IL vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Highland Park, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Highland Park, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $809/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.3K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 10.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$809

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.7K

Per year

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

Highland Park, IL

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$726K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:89

Median Home:$176K

Highland Park, IL

The Prairie State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 30K 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 Park, IL vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Highland Park, IL	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,490/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $541less	21.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,516/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $327less	21.6%
🛒Groceries	$978/mo	$919/mo	↓ $58.25less	6.0%
🏥Healthcare	$565/mo	$582/mo	↑ $17.47more	3.1%
⚡All Utilities	$493/mo	$503/mo	↑ $9.67more	2.0%
📦Other	$1,586/mo	$1,590/mo	↑ $4.65more	0.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 21.7%

Highland Park, IL

$2,490

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$541

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 21.6%

Highland Park, IL

$1,516

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$327

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.0%

Highland Park, IL

$978

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$58.25

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.1%

Highland Park, IL

$565

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$17.47

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.0%

Highland Park, IL

$493

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$9.67

📦Other

↑ 0.3%

Highland Park, IL

$1,586

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$4.65

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Highland Park, 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$1,564

To$1,030

↓ $534

1 Bed

From$1,672

To$1,170

↓ $502

2 Bed

From$1,886

To$1,360

↓ $526

3 Bed

From$2,431

To$1,760

↓ $671

Highland Park, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,180–$2,180/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.

$7,627

Monthly in Highland Park, IL

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$894

Difference

Home Values

Highland Park

Indianapolis

$726K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +6.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +50%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$726K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 76% less expensive than Highland Park

Calculate payment - Highland Park 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

Highland Park, 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

Highland Park, 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.