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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $259/month more in Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.1K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN area
Overall Cost
↑ 3.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$259
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$3.1K
Per year

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

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$176K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K
Cost Index:
103
(3% above avg)
Median Home:$263K

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Indianapolis, IN vs Columbus, OH

Transportation
↑ 14.9%
Indianapolis, IN
$1,188
Columbus, OH
$1,366
Difference
$178
more
Housing
↑ 5.3%
Indianapolis, IN
$1,949
Columbus, OH
$2,053
Difference
$104
more
Groceries
↑ 5.4%
Indianapolis, IN
$919
Columbus, OH
$969
Difference
$49.96
more
All Utilities
↓ 7.6%
Indianapolis, IN
$503
Columbus, OH
$464
Difference
$38.25
less
Other
↓ 2.1%
Indianapolis, IN
$1,590
Columbus, OH
$1,557
Difference
$33.48
less
Healthcare
↑ 4.3%
Indianapolis, IN
$582
Columbus, OH
$607
Difference
$24.78
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)
Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)
Net difference+$720/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,030
To$1,020
↓ $10.00
1 Bed
From$1,170
To$1,100
↓ $70.00
2 Bed
From$1,360
To$1,315
↓ $45.00
3 Bed
From$1,760
To$1,575
↓ $185
Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/mo

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/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.

$6,732
Monthly in Indianapolis, IN
$7,017
Monthly in Columbus, OH
$285
Difference

Home Values

Indianapolis
Columbus
$176K
Median Value
$263K
↓ -1.1%
YoY Change
↓ -0.4%
↑ +26.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +28.8%
$109K - $340K
Price Range
$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 49% more expensive than Indianapolis

Calculate payment - IndianapolisCalculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $418
Per year
Monthly Difference
$34.81
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.3%
Rate difference

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

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Ohio State Tax
Effective: 3.0%
$4.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 27.6%
$41.4K
Take-Home Pay
$9,047/month
$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%
Property Tax:0.9%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%
Property Tax:1.6%

💡 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.

Environment

Indianapolis
Columbus
54 Moderate
Air Quality
53 Moderate
36.6%
Good Air Days
41.3%
97 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days
▲+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Indiana and Ohio on TaxTakeHome.com

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