Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Northbrook, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 11.0% cheaper than Northbrook, IL. This translates to saving $828 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Northbrook, IL, you'd need approximately $140,069.908 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 21.9% cheaper than in Northbrook, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,822/month in Northbrook, IL.

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

Moving from Northbrook, IL to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $828 per month, or $9930 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Northbrook, IL vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Northbrook, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Northbrook, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $828/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.1K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 11.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$828

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.9K

Per year

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

Northbrook, IL

Population:34K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$660K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:89

Median Home:$176K

Northbrook, IL

The Prairie State

34K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 34K 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: Northbrook, IL vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Northbrook, IL	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,497/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $548less	21.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,520/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $332less	21.8%
🛒Groceries	$979/mo	$919/mo	↓ $59.60less	6.1%
🏥Healthcare	$566/mo	$582/mo	↑ $16.68more	2.9%
⚡All Utilities	$494/mo	$503/mo	↑ $8.98more	1.8%
📦Other	$1,590/mo	$1,590/mo	↑ $0.25more	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 21.9%

Northbrook, IL

$2,497

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$548

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 21.8%

Northbrook, IL

$1,520

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$332

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.1%

Northbrook, IL

$979

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$59.60

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.9%

Northbrook, IL

$566

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$16.68

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.8%

Northbrook, IL

$494

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$8.98

📦Other

↑ 0.0%

Northbrook, IL

$1,590

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$0.25

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Northbrook, 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$1,515

To$1,030

↓ $485

1 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,170

↓ $445

2 Bed

From$1,822

To$1,360

↓ $462

3 Bed

From$2,345

To$1,760

↓ $585

Northbrook, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,100–$2,100/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.

$7,645

Monthly in Northbrook, IL

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$913

Difference

Home Values

Northbrook

Indianapolis

$660K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +7.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +39.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$660K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 73% less expensive than Northbrook

Calculate payment - Northbrook 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

Northbrook, 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

Northbrook, 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.