MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Lawrence, KS โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Kansas City, MO area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $39.55/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.5K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from Kansas City, MO-KS area
Overall Cost
โ†“ 0.5%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$39.55
Savings
Annual Impact
$475
Per year

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

Lawrence, KS

Population:96K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$307K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K
Cost Index:99
Median Home:$176K

Lawrence, KS

The Sunflower State

96K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Kansas, this city has a population of 96K 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: Lawrence, KS vs Indianapolis, IN

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 5.9%
Lawrence, KS
$1,841
Indianapolis, IN
$1,949
Difference
$108
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 1.8%
Lawrence, KS
$1,562
Indianapolis, IN
$1,590
Difference
$28.59
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†“ 4.8%
Lawrence, KS
$528
Indianapolis, IN
$503
Difference
$25.18
less
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†“ 1.8%
Lawrence, KS
$936
Indianapolis, IN
$919
Difference
$16.49
less
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†“ 2.7%
Lawrence, KS
$599
Indianapolis, IN
$582
Difference
$16.16
less
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 0.6%
Lawrence, KS
$1,181
Indianapolis, IN
$1,188
Difference
$6.97
more

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

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

Lawrence, KS has no local income tax.

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

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$743
To$1,030
โ†‘ $287
1 Bed
From$834
To$1,170
โ†‘ $336
2 Bed
From$979
To$1,360
โ†‘ $381
3 Bed
From$1,359
To$1,760
โ†‘ $401
Lawrence, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $920โ€“$1,060/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080โ€“$1,870/mo

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

$6,646
Monthly in Lawrence, KS
$6,732
Monthly in Indianapolis, IN
$85.75
Difference

Home Values

Lawrence
Indianapolis
$307K
Median Value
$176K
โ†‘ +2.5%
YoY Change
โ†“ -1.1%
โ†‘ +41%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +26.9%
$262K - $377K
Price Range
$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 43% less expensive than Lawrence

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $3.6K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$298
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.4%
Rate difference

Lawrence, KS

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Kansas State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,714/month
$104.6K

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

Lawrence, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%
Property Tax:1.3%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%
Property Tax:0.9%

๐Ÿ’ก 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

Lawrence
Indianapolis
46 Good
Air Quality
54 Moderate
59.3%
Good Air Days
36.6%
97 High
Climate Risk
97 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.1ยฐF
44 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
18 days
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.1ยฐF
44 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
18 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Kansas and Indiana on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Lawrence, KS on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Indianapolis, IN

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison