Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than North Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 9.6% cheaper than North Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $719 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in North Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in North Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $141,371.417 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between North Chicago, IL and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 20.7% cheaper than in North Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,324/month in North Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from North Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from North Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $719 per month, or $8629 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

North Chicago, IL vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 North Chicago, IL — COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area + state data

Current salary in North Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $719/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.4K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$719

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.6K

Per year

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

North Chicago, IL

Population:30K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$176K

North Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

30K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, 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: North Chicago, IL vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	North Chicago, IL	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,457/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $508less	20.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,496/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $307less	20.5%
🛒Groceries	$971/mo	$919/mo	↓ $51.74less	5.3%
📦Other	$1,565/mo	$1,590/mo	↑ $25.68more	1.6%
🏥Healthcare	$561/mo	$582/mo	↑ $21.23more	3.8%
⚡All Utilities	$490/mo	$503/mo	↑ $12.95more	2.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 20.7%

North Chicago, IL

$2,457

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$508

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.5%

North Chicago, IL

$1,496

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$307

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.3%

North Chicago, IL

$971

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$51.74

less

📦Other

↑ 1.6%

North Chicago, IL

$1,565

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$25.68

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.8%

North Chicago, IL

$561

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$21.23

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.6%

North Chicago, IL

$490

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$12.95

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

North Chicago, IL 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$908

To$1,030

↑ $122

1 Bed

From$1,097

To$1,170

↑ $73.00

2 Bed

From$1,324

To$1,360

↑ $36.00

3 Bed

From$1,816

To$1,760

↓ $56.00

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.

$7,539

Monthly in North Chicago, IL

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$807

Difference

Home Values

North Chicago

Indianapolis

Median Value

$176K

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$215

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.7%

Rate difference

North Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

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

North Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.