Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than New York, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 48.2% cheaper than New York, NY. This translates to saving $3616 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in New York, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $106,607.143 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New York, NY and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 74.5% cheaper than in New York, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $3,590/month in New York, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from New York, NY to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from New York, NY to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $3616 per month, or $43393 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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New York, NY

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Indianapolis, IN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.6K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $106.6K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 48.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,616

Savings

Annual Impact

$43.4K

Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.05M

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:52

Median Home:$176K

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

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: New York, NY vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	New York, NY	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $5,699less	74.5%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $444less	21.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $414less	25.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$919/mo	↓ $246less	21.1%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$582/mo	↓ $105less	15.3%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$503/mo	↓ $97.26less	16.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 74.5%

New York, NY

$7,648

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$5,699

less

📦Other

↓ 21.8%

New York, NY

$2,034

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$444

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.8%

New York, NY

$1,602

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$414

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 21.1%

New York, NY

$1,165

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$246

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.3%

New York, NY

$688

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$105

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 16.2%

New York, NY

$600

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$97.26

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

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

Net difference-$2,659/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,120

To$1,030

↓ $2,090

1 Bed

From$3,270

To$1,170

↓ $2,100

2 Bed

From$3,590

To$1,360

↓ $2,230

3 Bed

From$4,500

To$1,760

↓ $2,740

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/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.

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$7,005

Difference

Home Values

New York

Indianapolis

$1.05M

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↓ -5.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$471K - $3.49M

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 83% less expensive than New York

Calculate payment - New York Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$392

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.