Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 9.8% cheaper than Houston, TX. This translates to saving $738 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Houston, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $141,139.896 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Houston, TX and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 11.0% cheaper than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

How much can I save per month by moving from Houston, TX to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Houston, TX to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $738 per month, or $8860 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Houston, TX

Tap to swap

Indianapolis, IN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $738/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.1K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$738

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.9K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$176K

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

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: Houston, TX vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Houston, TX	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $261less	18.0%
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $242less	11.0%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $177less	10.0%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$503/mo	↓ $49.72less	9.0%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$582/mo	↑ $20.45more	3.6%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$919/mo	↑ $7.99more	0.9%

🚗Transportation

↓ 18.0%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$261

less

🏠Housing

↓ 11.0%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$242

less

📦Other

↓ 10.0%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$177

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.0%

Houston, TX

$552

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$49.72

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.6%

Houston, TX

$562

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$20.45

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.9%

Houston, TX

$911

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$7.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Houston, TX 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$1,220

To$1,030

↓ $190

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,170

↓ $90.00

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,360

↓ $140

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$1,760

↓ $260

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$701

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Indianapolis

$245K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 28% less expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$404

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.2%

Rate difference

Houston, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Houston, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.