Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Laurel, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 38.6% cheaper than Laurel, MD. This translates to saving $2892 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Laurel, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Laurel, MD, you'd need approximately $115,301.936 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Laurel, MD and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 62.6% cheaper than in Laurel, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,837/month in Laurel, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Laurel, MD to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Laurel, MD to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $2892 per month, or $34698 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Laurel, MD vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Laurel, MD — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Washington, DC area

Current salary in Laurel, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.9K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.3K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 38.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,892

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.7K

Per year

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

Laurel, MD

Population:29K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$461K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:61

Median Home:$176K

Laurel, MD

The Old Line State

29K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 29K 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: Laurel, MD vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Laurel, MD	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,207/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $3,258less	62.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,756/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $568less	32.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,042/mo	$919/mo	↓ $122less	11.7%
📦Other	$1,700/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $109less	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$610/mo	$582/mo	↓ $27.53less	4.5%
⚡All Utilities	$490/mo	$503/mo	↑ $12.25more	2.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 62.6%

Laurel, MD

$5,207

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$3,258

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.3%

Laurel, MD

$1,756

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$568

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.7%

Laurel, MD

$1,042

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$122

less

📦Other

↓ 6.4%

Laurel, MD

$1,700

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$109

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.5%

Laurel, MD

$610

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$27.53

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.5%

Laurel, MD

$490

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$12.25

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Laurel, MD 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$1,512

To$1,030

↓ $482

1 Bed

From$1,607

To$1,170

↓ $437

2 Bed

From$1,837

To$1,360

↓ $477

3 Bed

From$2,336

To$1,760

↓ $576

Laurel, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,890–$2,120/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.

$10,804

Monthly in Laurel, MD

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$4,072

Difference

Home Values

Laurel

Indianapolis

$461K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +24.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$409K - $574K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 62% less expensive than Laurel

Calculate payment - Laurel Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$201

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.6%

Rate difference

Laurel, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

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

Laurel, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.