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 $1808 per month.

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

If you earn $75,000 in New York, NY, you'd need approximately $53,303.571 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 $1808 per month, or $21696 per year, based on a $75,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

New York, NY

Tap to swap

Indianapolis, IN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in New York, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.8K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$75.0K in your current city equals $53.3K 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

$1,808

Savings

Annual Impact

$21.7K

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	$5,959/mo	$1,519/mo	↓ $4,440less	74.5%
📦Other	$1,585/mo	$1,239/mo	↓ $346less	21.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,248/mo	$926/mo	↓ $322less	25.8%
🛒Groceries	$908/mo	$716/mo	↓ $192less	21.1%
🏥Healthcare	$536/mo	$454/mo	↓ $82.07less	15.3%
⚡All Utilities	$467/mo	$392/mo	↓ $75.78less	16.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 74.5%

New York, NY

$5,959

Indianapolis, IN

$1,519

Difference

$4,440

less

📦Other

↓ 21.8%

New York, NY

$1,585

Indianapolis, IN

$1,239

Difference

$346

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.8%

New York, NY

$1,248

Indianapolis, IN

$926

Difference

$322

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 21.1%

New York, NY

$908

Indianapolis, IN

$716

Difference

$192

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.3%

New York, NY

$536

Indianapolis, IN

$454

Difference

$82.07

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 16.2%

New York, NY

$467

Indianapolis, IN

$392

Difference

$75.78

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$2,782/yr (3.7%)

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$1,515/yr (2.0%)

Net difference-$1,267/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.

$10,703

Monthly in New York, NY

$5,245

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$5,458

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 $75.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$168

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 13.8%

$8.3K

New York State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$5.7K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$18.5K

Take-Home Pay

$4,707/month

$56.5K

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 13.8%

$8.3K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$2.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$5.7K

Total Taxes

Effective: 22.0%

$16.5K

Take-Home Pay

$4,875/month

$58.5K

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.