Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Portland, ME?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 9.6% cheaper than Portland, ME. This translates to saving $718 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Portland, ME?

If you earn $150,000 in Portland, ME, you'd need approximately $141,383.177 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portland, ME and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 36.4% cheaper than in Portland, ME. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,202/month in Portland, ME.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portland, ME to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Portland, ME to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $718 per month, or $8617 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Portland, ME vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Portland, ME — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Portland, ME

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $718/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 area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$718

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.6K

Per year

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

Portland, ME

Population:69K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$527K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$176K

Portland, ME

The Pine Tree State

69K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maine, this city has a population of 69K 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: Portland, ME vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Portland, ME	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $1,117less	36.4%
📦Other	$1,178/mo	$1,590/mo	↑ $412more	35.0%
⚡All Utilities	$575/mo	$503/mo	↓ $72.49less	12.6%
🛒Groceries	$867/mo	$919/mo	↑ $52.11more	6.0%
🏥Healthcare	$597/mo	$582/mo	↓ $15.04less	2.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,182/mo	$1,188/mo	↑ $6.48more	0.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 36.4%

Portland, ME

$3,066

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$1,117

less

📦Other

↑ 35.0%

Portland, ME

$1,178

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$412

⚡All Utilities

↓ 12.6%

Portland, ME

$575

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$72.49

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.0%

Portland, ME

$867

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$52.11

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.5%

Portland, ME

$597

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$15.04

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 0.5%

Portland, ME

$1,182

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$6.48

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Portland, ME 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$829

To$1,030

↑ $201

1 Bed

From$939

To$1,170

↑ $231

2 Bed

From$1,202

To$1,360

↑ $158

3 Bed

From$1,460

To$1,760

↑ $300

Portland, MEZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,670–$1,780/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.

$7,466

Monthly in Portland, ME

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$734

Difference

Home Values

Portland

Indianapolis

$527K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +44.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$510K - $642K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 67% less expensive than Portland

Calculate payment - Portland Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$454

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.6%

Rate difference

Portland, ME

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maine State Tax

Effective: 6.9%

$10.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.5%

$47.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,558/month

$102.7K

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

Portland, ME Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.5%

Property Tax:1.3%

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.