Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Nashville, TN?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 15.5% cheaper than Nashville, TN. This translates to saving $1165 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Nashville, TN?

If you earn $150,000 in Nashville, TN, you'd need approximately $136,019.417 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Nashville, TN and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 26.5% cheaper than in Nashville, TN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,840/month in Nashville, TN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Nashville, TN to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Nashville, TN to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1165 per month, or $13981 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Nashville, TN

Tap to swap

Indianapolis, IN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Nashville, TN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.0K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin, TN area

Overall Cost

↓ 15.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,165

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.0K

Per year

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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$489K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:84

Median Home:$176K

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

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: Nashville, TN vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Nashville, TN	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,651/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $702less	26.5%
📦Other	$1,942/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $352less	18.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $95.62less	7.4%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$919/mo	↓ $29.98less	3.2%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$582/mo	↓ $24.78less	4.1%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$503/mo	↓ $16.39less	3.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 26.5%

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$702

less

📦Other

↓ 18.1%

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$352

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.4%

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$95.62

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.2%

Nashville, TN

$949

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$29.98

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.1%

Nashville, TN

$607

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$24.78

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.2%

Nashville, TN

$519

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$16.39

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Nashville, TN 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$1,600

To$1,030

↓ $570

1 Bed

From$1,680

To$1,170

↓ $510

2 Bed

From$1,840

To$1,360

↓ $480

3 Bed

From$2,350

To$1,760

↓ $590

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/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.

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$1,220

Difference

Home Values

Nashville

Indianapolis

$489K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +32.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$320K - $1.16M

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 64% less expensive than Nashville

Calculate payment - Nashville Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$404

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.2%

Rate difference

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

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.