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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $86.21/month more in Detroit, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.0K in Detroit, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN area
Overall Cost
↑ 1.1%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$86.21
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$1.0K
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

Detroit, MI

Population:639K
Cost Index:
101
(1% above avg)
Median Home:$86K

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 639K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Indianapolis, IN vs Detroit, MI

Housing
↓ 20.0%
Indianapolis, IN
$1,949
Detroit, MI
$1,559
Difference
$390
less
Transportation
↑ 32.2%
Indianapolis, IN
$1,188
Detroit, MI
$1,571
Difference
$382
more
Other
↑ 5.3%
Indianapolis, IN
$1,590
Detroit, MI
$1,674
Difference
$83.70
more
All Utilities
↑ 10.9%
Indianapolis, IN
$503
Detroit, MI
$557
Difference
$54.64
more
Groceries
↑ 3.3%
Indianapolis, IN
$919
Detroit, MI
$949
Difference
$29.98
more
Healthcare
↓ 3.2%
Indianapolis, IN
$582
Detroit, MI
$564
Difference
$18.59
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)
Detroit, MI: Detroit City Income Tax$3,600/yr (2.4%)
Net difference+$570/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,030
To$875
↓ $155
1 Bed
From$1,170
To$975
↓ $195
2 Bed
From$1,360
To$1,225
↓ $135
3 Bed
From$1,760
To$1,495
↓ $265
Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/mo

Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,690/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
$6,875
Monthly in Detroit, MI
$142
Difference

Home Values

Indianapolis
Detroit
$176K
Median Value
$86K
↓ -1.1%
YoY Change
↓ -3.3%
↑ +26.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +15.3%
$109K - $340K
Price Range
$48K - $415K

Homes in Detroit are 51% less expensive than Indianapolis

Calculate payment - IndianapolisCalculate payment - Detroit

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $1.5K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$128
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.0%
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

Detroit, MI

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Michigan State Tax
Effective: 4.3%
$6.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.9%
$43.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,884/month
$106.6K

Additional Tax Information

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%
Property Tax:0.9%

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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
Detroit
54 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
36.6%
Good Air Days
32.8%
97 High
Climate Risk
99 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
10 days
▲+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
10 days

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

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