Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Los Altos, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 47.1% cheaper than Los Altos, CA. This translates to saving $3531 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Los Altos, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Los Altos, CA, you'd need approximately $107,632.674 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Los Altos, CA and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 70.3% cheaper than in Los Altos, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $3,465/month in Los Altos, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Los Altos, CA to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Los Altos, CA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $3531 per month, or $42367 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Los Altos, CA vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Los Altos, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fremont, CA area

Current salary in Los Altos, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.5K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $107.6K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 47.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,531

Savings

Annual Impact

$42.4K

Per year

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

Los Altos, CA

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$4.69M

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:53

Median Home:$176K

Los Altos, CA

The Golden State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 30K 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: Los Altos, CA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Los Altos, CA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,572/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $4,623less	70.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$919/mo	↓ $185less	16.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,345/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $156less	11.6%
📦Other	$1,744/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $154less	8.8%
🏥Healthcare	$690/mo	$582/mo	↓ $108less	15.7%
⚡All Utilities	$454/mo	$503/mo	↑ $48.65more	10.7%

🏠Housing

↓ 70.3%

Los Altos, CA

$6,572

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$4,623

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 16.7%

Los Altos, CA

$1,104

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$185

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.6%

Los Altos, CA

$1,345

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$156

less

📦Other

↓ 8.8%

Los Altos, CA

$1,744

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$154

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.7%

Los Altos, CA

$690

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$108

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.7%

Los Altos, CA

$454

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$48.65

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Los Altos, CA 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$2,608

To$1,030

↓ $1,578

1 Bed

From$2,945

To$1,170

↓ $1,775

2 Bed

From$3,465

To$1,360

↓ $2,105

3 Bed

From$4,565

To$1,760

↓ $2,805

Los Altos, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $3,540–$3,710/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.

$11,909

Monthly in Los Altos, CA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$5,176

Difference

Home Values

Los Altos

Indianapolis

$4.69M

Median Value

$176K

↑ +3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +35.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$4.48M - $4.90M

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 96% less expensive than Los Altos

Calculate payment - Los Altos Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$482

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.9%

Rate difference

Los Altos, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Los Altos, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.